A fuel cell energy storage system concept for the Space Station Freedom Extravehicular Mobility Unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adlhart, Otto J.; Rosso, Matthew J., Jr.; Marmolejo, Jose

1989-03-01

An update is given on work to design and build a Fuel Cell Energy Storage System (FCESS) bench-tested unit for the Space Station Freedom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). Fueled by oxygen and hydride-stored hydrogen, the FCESS is being considered as an alternative to the EMU zinc-silver oxide battery. Superior cycle life and quick recharge are the main attributes of FCESS. The design and performance of a nonventing, 28 V, 34 Ahr system with 7 amp rating are discussed.

Effects of exposure to DAMPS and GSM signals on ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity: II. SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Billaudel, Bernard; Taxile, Murielle; Poulletier de Gannes, Florence; Ruffie, Gilles; Lagroye, Isabelle; Veyret, Bernard

2009-06-01

An increase in Ornithine Decarboxylase (ODC) activity was reported in L929 murine fibroblast cells after exposure to a digital cellular telephone signal. This result was not confirmed by several other studies, including the one reported in a companion paper. As a partner in the Perform-B programme, we extended this study to human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), using well-defined waveguide systems to imitate exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR): Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System (DAMPS) or Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) signals emitted by mobile phones. Human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) were exposed at various Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) to DAMPS or GSM signals using different set-ups. Cell ODC activities were assayed using 14CO2 generation from 14C-labeled L-ornithine. SH-SY5Y cells were incubated for 20 hours, and were blindly exposed to 50 Hz-modulated DAMPS-835 or 217 Hz-modulated GSM-1800 for 8 or 24 h using Information Technologies in Society (IT'IS) waveguides equipped with fans. After cell lysis, ODC activity was determined using 14C-labeled L-ornithine. ODC activity was estimated by the 14CO2 generated from 14C-labeled L-ornithine, as generated d.p.m. 14CO2/h/mg protein. The results showed that, irrespective of the signal used (835 MHz/DAMPS, or 1800 MHz/GSM) and exposure conditions (duration and SAR), human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells did not exhibit any alteration in ODC enzyme activity. This work did not show a significant effect of mobile phone RFR exposure on ODC activity in neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y).

SDN-controlled topology-reconfigurable optical mobile fronthaul architecture for bidirectional CoMP and low latency inter-cell D2D in the 5G mobile era.

PubMed

Cvijetic, Neda; Tanaka, Akihiro; Kanonakis, Konstantinos; Wang, Ting

2014-08-25

We demonstrate the first SDN-controlled optical topology-reconfigurable mobile fronthaul (MFH) architecture for bidirectional coordinated multipoint (CoMP) and low latency inter-cell device-to-device (D2D) connectivity in the 5G mobile networking era. SDN-based OpenFlow control is used to dynamically instantiate the CoMP and inter-cell D2D features as match/action combinations in control plane flow tables of software-defined optical and electrical switching elements. Dynamic re-configurability is thereby introduced into the optical MFH topology, while maintaining back-compatibility with legacy fiber deployments. 10 Gb/s peak rates with <7 μs back-to-back transmission latency and 29.6 dB total power budget are experimentally demonstrated, confirming the attractiveness of the new approach for optical MFH of future 5G mobile systems.

Fracture induced mobilization and incorporation of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells for bone healing.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Tomoyuki; Mifune, Yutaka; Kawamoto, Atsuhiko; Kuroda, Ryosuke; Shoji, Taro; Iwasaki, Hiroto; Suzuki, Takahiro; Oyamada, Akira; Horii, Miki; Yokoyama, Ayumi; Nishimura, Hiromi; Lee, Sang Yang; Miwa, Masahiko; Doita, Minoru; Kurosaka, Masahiro; Asahara, Takayuki

2008-04-01

We recently reported that systemic administration of peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells, an endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-enriched population, contributed to fracture healing via vasculogenesis/angiogenesis. However, pathophysiological role of EPCs in fracture healing process has not been fully clarified. Therefore, we investigated the hypothesis whether mobilization and incorporation of bone marrow (BM)-derived EPCs may play a pivotal role in appropriate fracture healing. Serial examinations of Laser doppler perfusion imaging and histological capillary density revealed that neovascularization activity at the fracture site peaked at day 7 post-fracture, the early phase of endochondral ossifification. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis demonstrated that the frequency of BM cKit+Sca1+Lineage- (Lin-) cells and PB Sca1+Lin- cells, which are EPC-enriched fractions, significantly increased post-fracture. The Sca1+ EPC-derived vasuculogenesis at the fracture site was confirmed by double immunohistochemistry for CD31 and Sca1. BM transplantation from transgenic donors expressing LacZ transcriptionally regulated by endothelial cell-specific Tie-2 promoter into wild type also provided direct evidence that EPCs contributing to enhanced neovascularization at the fracture site were specifically derived from BM. Animal model of systemic administration of PB Sca1+Lin- Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)+ cells further confirmed incorporation of the mobilized EPCs into the fracture site for fracture healing. These findings indicate that fracture may induce mobilization of EPCs from BM to PB and recruitment of the mobilized EPCs into fracture sites, thereby augment neovascularization during the process of bone healing. EPCs may play an essential role in fracture healing by promoting a favorable environment through neovascularization in damaged skeletal tissue. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Validation of a single-platform, volumetric, flow cytometry for CD4 T cell count monitoring in therapeutic mobile unit

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background A mobile health unit may be useful to follow up adult and pediatric patients on antiretroviral treatment and living in remote areas devoid of laboratory facilities. The study evaluated the use of the simplified, robust, single-plateform, volumetric, pan-leucogating Auto40 flow cytometer (Apogee Flow Systems Ltd, Hemel Hempstead, UK) for CD4 T cell numeration in a mobile unit, compared against a reference flow cytometry method. Methods The therapeutic mobile unit of the Laboratoire National de Santé Hygiène Mobile, Yaoundé, Cameroon, was equipped with the Auto40. A FACSCalibur flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson Immuno-cytometry System, San Jose, CA, USA) was used as reference method. EDTA-blood samples from volunteers were first subjected to CD4 T cell count in the mobile unit, and an aliquot was sent within 4 hours to Centre International de Référence Chantal Biya, Yaoundé, for FACSCalibur assay. Results Two HIV screening campaigns with the mobile unit were organised in December 2009 and January 2010. The campaign in the suburb of Yaoundé which was 20 km from the reference laboratory included 188 volunteers comprising 93 children less than 5 years old. The campaign in Ambang Bikok (53 km far from Yaoundé) included 69 adult volunteers. In Yaoundé suburb, mean ± standard deviation (SD) CD4 T cell count was 996 ± 874 cells/μl by Auto40, and 989 ± 883 cells/μl by FACSCalibur; in Ambang Bikok, mean ± SD CD4 T cell count was 1041 ± 317 cells/μl by Auto40, and 1032 ± 294 cells/μl by FACSCalibur. Results by Auto40 and FACSCalibur were highly correlated in Yaoundé (r2 = 0.982) as in Ambang Bikok (r2 = 0.921). Bland-Altman analysis showed a close agreement between Auto40 and FACSCalibur results expressed in absolute count as in percentage in Yaoundé and Ambang Bikok. When pooling the 257 CD4 T cell count measurements, the Auto40 yielded a mean difference of +7.6 CD4 T cells/μl higher than by reference flow cytometry; and the sensitivity and specificity of Auto40 in enumerating absolute CD4 T cell counts of less than 200 cells/μl were 87% and 99%, respectively, and in enumerating absolute CD4 T cell counts of less than 350 cells/μl were 87% and 98%, respectively. The intrarun and interun precisions of the Auto40 assay assessed in the mobile unit were 5.5% and 7.9%, respectively. Conclusions The Auto40 flow cytometer installed in a therapeutic mobile unit and operated far from its reference laboratory gave a perfect correlation with the reference method, and could be useful in carrying out immunological monitoring of HIV-infected patients living in areas without access to laboratory facilities. PMID:22309994

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruits as a Potential Cardioprotective Agent: The Role of Circulating Progenitor Cells

PubMed Central

Alhaider, Ibrahim A.; Mohamed, Maged E.; Ahmed, K. K. M.; Kumar, Arun H. S.

2017-01-01

Context: Date palms, along with their fruits’ dietary consumption, possess enormous medicinal and pharmacological activities manifested in their usage in a variety of ailments in the various traditional systems of medicine. In recent years, the identification of progenitor cells in the adult organ systems has opened an altogether new approach to therapeutics, due to the ability of these cells to repair the damaged cells/tissues. Hence, the concept of developing therapeutics, which can mobilize endogenous progenitor cells, following tissue injury, to enhance tissue repair process is clinically relevant. Objectives: The present study investigates the potential of date of palm fruit extracts in repairing tissue injury following myocardial infarction (MI) potentially by mobilizing circulating progenitor cells. Methods: Extracts of four different varieties of date palm fruits common in Saudi Arabia eastern provision were scrutinized for their total flavonoid, total phenolic, in vitro antioxidant capacity, as well as their effects on two different rodent MI models. Results: High concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were observed in date palm fruit extracts, which contributed to the promising antioxidant activities of these extracts and the observed high protective effect against various induced in vivo MI. The extracts showed ability to build up reserves and to mobilize circulating progenitor cells from bone marrow and peripheral circulation to the site of myocardial infraction. Conclusion: Date palm fruit extracts have the potential to mobilize endogenous circulating progenitor cells, which can promote tissue repair following ischemic injury. PMID:28928656

Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruits as a Potential Cardioprotective Agent: The Role of Circulating Progenitor Cells.

PubMed

Alhaider, Ibrahim A; Mohamed, Maged E; Ahmed, K K M; Kumar, Arun H S

2017-01-01

Context: Date palms, along with their fruits' dietary consumption, possess enormous medicinal and pharmacological activities manifested in their usage in a variety of ailments in the various traditional systems of medicine. In recent years, the identification of progenitor cells in the adult organ systems has opened an altogether new approach to therapeutics, due to the ability of these cells to repair the damaged cells/tissues. Hence, the concept of developing therapeutics, which can mobilize endogenous progenitor cells, following tissue injury, to enhance tissue repair process is clinically relevant. Objectives: The present study investigates the potential of date of palm fruit extracts in repairing tissue injury following myocardial infarction (MI) potentially by mobilizing circulating progenitor cells. Methods: Extracts of four different varieties of date palm fruits common in Saudi Arabia eastern provision were scrutinized for their total flavonoid, total phenolic, in vitro antioxidant capacity, as well as their effects on two different rodent MI models. Results: High concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were observed in date palm fruit extracts, which contributed to the promising antioxidant activities of these extracts and the observed high protective effect against various induced in vivo MI. The extracts showed ability to build up reserves and to mobilize circulating progenitor cells from bone marrow and peripheral circulation to the site of myocardial infraction. Conclusion: Date palm fruit extracts have the potential to mobilize endogenous circulating progenitor cells, which can promote tissue repair following ischemic injury.

TARDEC Overview: Ground Vehicle Power and Mobility

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-04

Fuel & Water Distribution • Force Sustainment • Construction Equipment • Bridging • Assured Mobility Systems Robotics • TALON • PackBot • MARCbot...Equipment • Mechanical Countermine Equipment • Tactical Bridging Intelligent Ground Systems • Autonomous Robotics Systems • Safe Operations...Test Cell • Hybrid Electric Reconfigurable Moveable Integration Testbed (HERMIT) • Electro-chemical Analysis and Research Lab (EARL) • Battery Lab • Air

Preclinical development of a bridging therapy for radiation casualties: appropriate for high risk personnel.

PubMed

Singh, Vijay K; Wise, Stephen Y; Fatanmi, Oluseyi O; Beattie, Lindsay A; Seed, Thomas M

2014-06-01

The authors demonstrate the efficacy of a bridging therapy in a preclinical animal model that allows the lymphohematopoietic system of severely immunocompromised individuals exposed to acute, high-dose ionizing irradiation to recover and to survive. CD2F1 mice were irradiated acutely with high doses causing severe, potentially fatal hematopoietic or gastrointestinal injuries and then transfused intravenously with progenitor-enriched, whole blood, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells from mice injected with tocopherol succinate- and AMD3100- (a chemokine receptor anatogonist used to improve the yield of mobilized progenitors). Survival of these mice over a 30-d period was used as the primary measured endpoint of therapeutic effectiveness. The authors demonstrate that tocopherol succinate and AMD3100 mobilize progenitors into peripheral circulation and that the infusion of mobilized progenitor enriched blood or mononuclear cells acts as a bridging therapy for lymphohematopoietic system recovery in mice exposed to whole-body ionizing irradiation. The results demonstrate that infusion of whole blood or blood mononuclear cells from tocopherol succinate (TS)- and AMD3100-injected mice improved the survival of mice receiving high radiation doses significantly. The efficacy of TS-injected donor mice blood or mononuclear cells was comparable to that of blood or cells obtained from mice injected with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Donor origin-mobilized progenitors were found to localize in various tissues. The authors suggest that tocopherol succinate is an optimal agent for mobilizing progenitors with significant therapeutic potential. The extent of progenitor mobilization that tocopherol succinate elicits in experimental mice is comparable quantitatively to clinically used drugs such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and AMD3100. Therefore, it is proposed that tocopherol succinate be considered for further translational development and ultimately for use in humans.

Intelligent Paging Based Mobile User Tracking Using Fuzzy Logic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Sajal; Dutta, Raju; Debnath, Soumen; Mukhopadhyay, Asish K.

2010-11-01

In general, a mobile user travels in a predefined path that depends mostly on the user's characteristics. Thus, tracking the locations of a mobile user is one of the challenges for location management. In this paper, we introduce a movement pattern learning strategy system to track the user's movements using adaptive fuzzy logic. Our fuzzy inference system extracts patterns from the historical data record of the cell numbers along with the date and time stamp of the users occupying the cell. Implementation of this strategy has been evaluated with the real time user data which proves the efficiency and accuracy of the model. This mechanism not only reduces user location tracking costs, but also significantly decreases the call-loss rates and average paging delays.

78 FR 50340 - Travelers' Information Stations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-19

... information systems, and satellite radio. While motorists should not access weather information from cell... weather and traffic information beyond traditional AM and FM broadcast sources, including cell phone, mobile internet, automobile based information systems, and satellite radio. Therefore, due to...

Student Perceptions of Engagement Using Mobile-Based Polling as an Audience Response System: Implications for Leadership Studies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Noel, Dan; Stover, Sheri; McNutt, Mindy

2015-01-01

The increase in ownership and use of mobile-based devices among college students creates unique opportunities for faculty to develop highly engaging learning environments. With many educational institutions offering campus-wide Wi-Fi, students have the ability to use their mobile devices, including cell phones, tablets, and laptops for engaging…

ISRU Reactant, Fuel Cell Based Power Plant for Robotic and Human Mobile Exploration Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baird, Russell S.; Sanders, Gerald; Simon, Thomas; McCurdy, Kerri

2003-01-01

Three basic power generation system concepts are generally considered for lander, rover, and Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) assistant applications for robotic and human Moon and Mars exploration missions. The most common power system considered is the solar array and battery system. While relatively simple and successful, solar array/battery systems have some serious limitations for mobile applications. For typical rover applications, these limitations include relatively low total energy storage capabilities, daylight only operating times (6 to 8 hours on Mars), relatively short operating lives depending on the operating environment, and rover/lander size and surface use constraints. Radioisotope power systems are being reconsidered for long-range science missions. Unfortunately, the high cost, political controversy, and launch difficulties that are associated with nuclear-based power systems suggests that the use of radioisotope powered landers, rovers, and EVA assistants will be limited. The third power system concept now being considered are fuel cell based systems. Fuel cell power systems overcome many of the performance and surface exploration limitations of solar array/battery power systems and the prohibitive cost and other difficulties associated with nuclear power systems for mobile applications. In an effort to better understand the capabilities and limitations of fuel cell power systems for Moon and Mars exploration applications, NASA is investigating the use of in-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) produced reactant, fuel cell based power plants to power robotic outpost rovers, science equipment, and future human spacecraft, surface-excursion rovers, and EVA assistant rovers. This paper will briefly compare the capabilities and limitations of fuel cell power systems relative to solar array/battery and nuclear systems, discuss the unique and enhanced missions that fuel cell power systems enable, and discuss the common technology and system attributes possible for robotic and human exploration to maximize scientific return and minimize cost and risk to both. Progress made to date at the Johnson Space Center on an ISRU producible reactant, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell based power plant project to demonstrate the concept in conjunction with rover applications will be presented in detail.

ISRU Reactant, Fuel Cell Based Power Plant for Robotic and Human Mobile Exploration Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baird, Russell S.; Sanders, Gerald; Simon, Thomas; McCurdy, Kerri

2003-01-01

Three basic power generation system concepts are generally considered for lander, rover, and Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) assistant applications for robotic and human Moon and Mars exploration missions. The most common power system considered is the solar array and battery system. While relatively simple and successful, solar array/battery systems have some serious limitations for mobile applications. For typical rover applications, these limitations include relatively low total energy storage capabilities, daylight only operating times (6 to 8 hours on Mars), relatively short operating lives depending on the operating environment, and rover/lander size and surface use constraints. Radioisotope power systems are being reconsidered for long-range science missions. Unfortunately, the high cost, political controversy, and launch difficulties that are associated with nuclear-based power systems suggests that the use of radioisotope powered landers, rovers, and EVA assistants will be limited. The third power system concept now being considered are fuel cell based systems. Fuel cell power systems overcome many of the performance and surface exploration limitations of solar array/battery power systems and the prohibitive cost and other difficulties associated with nuclear power systems for mobile applications. In an effort to better understand the capabilities and limitations of fuel cell power systems for Moon and Mars exploration applications. NASA is investigating the use of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) produced reactant, fuel cell based power plants to power robotic outpost rovers, science equipment, and future human spacecraft, surface-excursion rovers, and EVA assistant rovers. This paper will briefly compare the capabilities and limitations of fuel cell power systems relative to solar array/battery and nuclear systems, discuss the unique and enhanced missions that fuel cell power systems enable, and discuss the common technology and system attributes possible for robotic and human exploration to maximize scientific return and minimize cost and risk to both. Progress made to date at the Johnson Space Center on an ISRU producible reactant. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell based power plant project for use in the first demonstration of this concept in conjunction with rover applications will be presented in detail.

Performance and safety testing of lithium batteries for the Expendable, Mobile, ASW Training Target (EMATT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hallal, P. B.; Bis, R. F.

1986-08-01

The developmental EMATT (expendable, mobile, ASW training target) may use a high-energy (lithium/sulfuryl chloride) battery system. Safety problems with the original battery cell design were experienced during early performance and safety testing. After redesign of the battery cell, performance and safety tests were made under specified abuse conditions, as well as under simulated launch conditions. The test results showed that the power system now meets all safety requirements, and that the EMATT vehicle is safe to deploy for its engineering development phase.

Evaluation of the Spectra Optia apheresis system for mononuclear cell (MNC) collection in G-CSF mobilized and nonmobilized healthy donors: results of a multicenter study.

PubMed

Karafin, Matthew S; Graminske, Sharon; Erickson, Paulette; Walters, Mark C; Scott, Edward P; Carter, Scott; Padmanabhan, Anand

2014-10-01

The Spectra Optia apheresis system is a newer centrifugation-based device that in comparison with the COBE Spectra includes features that enhance procedure automation and usability. In this FDA-approved three-center two-arm observational study we characterized the performance of the Spectra Optia for collection of MNCs and CD34+ cells from nonmobilized and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilized healthy donors, respectively. There were a total of 15 evaluable subjects in each arm. Key performance indicators included collection efficiency of MNCs/CD34+ cells, product purity and cellular viability. For nonmobilized donors, median MNC collection efficiency, platelet collection efficiency, product hematocrit and granulocyte contamination were 57%, 12%, 4%, and 1.7%, respectively. For mobilized donors, median MNC collection efficiency, CD34+ cell collection efficiency, platelet collection efficiency, product hematocrit and granulocyte contamination were 61%, 77%, 19%, 4%, and 15%, respectively. Average WBC viability in the mobilized products was 99%. There was one severe (grade 3) adverse event related to citrate toxicity. This study demonstrates that the Spectra Optia can be used for safe and efficacious collection of MNCs, and results obtained are in line with expectations on collection efficiency and product characteristics. Adverse events were limited to those that are well documented in the stem-cell mobilization and leukapheresis process. As of the time of this writing, FDA 510(k) approval for use of the Spectra Optia device for MNC collection was achieved in the US based partly on the results of this study. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Path querying system on mobile devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Xing; Wang, Yifei; Tian, Yuan; Wu, Lun

2006-01-01

Traditional approaches to path querying problems are not efficient and convenient under most circumstances. A more convenient and reliable approach to this problem has to be found. This paper is devoted to a path querying solution on mobile devices. By using an improved Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm and a natural language translating module, this system can help people find the shortest path between two places through their cell phones or other mobile devices. The chosen path is prompted in text of natural language, as well as a map picture. This system would be useful in solving best path querying problems and have potential to be a profitable business system.

Effect of regioregularity on recombination dynamics in inverted bulk heterojunction organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandrasekaran, Naresh; Liu, Amelia C. Y.; Kumar, Anil; McNeill, Christopher R.; Kabra, Dinesh

2018-01-01

The effect of polymer regioregularity on the charge transport properties and bimolecular recombination rates of polymer-based solar cells is studied in detail using transient photovoltaic techniques. We compare organic solar cells fabricated with an ITO/ZnO/PEIE/P3HT:PCBM/MoO3/Ag structure using either 100% regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (DF-P3HT) yielding an average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.8  ±  0.3% or 92% regioregular P3HT (rr-P3HT) that yields an average PCE of 3.28  ±  0.4%. Transient photocurrent measurements reveal the presence of less mobile photoinduced charges in rr-P3HT:PCBM cells when compared to DF-P3HT:PCBM solar cells. Transient photovoltage measurements are used to establish the relationship between regioregularity and bimolecular recombination rate constant (k) finding that under 1 Sun, devices with high regioregularity have a longer τ despite having a higher k. The high value of k for the DF-P3HT:PCBM system as compared to the rr-P3HT:PCBM system is attributed to enhanced mobility and better charge transport of mobile charges in the DF-P3HT:PCBM system, consistent with enhanced fibrillar order in DF-P3HT films observed with transmission electron microscopy. We also note a slight decrease in cell open circuit voltage with increase in polymer regioregularity, which is due to the increase in k. Other recombination mechanisms such as trap-assisted recombination are found to be important in the lower regioregular P3HT device compounded by the reduced mobility and poor inter-chain ordering.

[Stimuli sensitive changes in electrical surface properties of soft membranes: from a synthesized polymer to a biological system].

PubMed

Makino, K

1997-01-01

The electrical surface properties of biological cells have been studied, which provided us with the fundamental knowledge about the cell surface. The change in shape or biological functions of cells may affect the surface properties and can be detected by electrokinetic measurements. Biological cell surfaces are covered with polysaccharide chains, some are charged and some are not. Some polysaccharides produce a hydrogel matrixes under a proper condition. We thus consider it reasonable that cell surface is approximated by a hydrogel surface. Electrophoretic mobility measurements are useful for studying the surface properties of biological cells suspended as colloidal particles in an electrolyte solution. The electro-osmotic velocity measurements on the other hand are advantageous to the study of the surface properties of slab-shaped biological systems such as membranes. This work was started with a hydrogel, as a model material. As a hydrogel, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) poly(NIPAAm), abbreviated as hereafter, was chosen, because this hydrogel changes its volume depending on temperature. The dependence of the electrophoretic mobility of latex particles covered with poly(NIPAAm) hydrogel layer or of the electro-osmotic mobility on poly(NIPAAm) plate upon temperature and ionic strength of the dispersing medium was well explained with an electrophoretic mobility formula for "soft particles" developed by Ohshima. The electrokinetic measurements and the explanation of data with an electrophoretic mobility formula for "soft particles" give us information about the surface charge density and the "softness" of soft surfaces. On the basis of the findings with hydrogels, we have discussed the relationship between the changes in shape or function of the biological cells and the change in physicochemical surface properties using these measurements. To study the change in physicochemical properties of the cell surface caused by apoptosis, we have measured the electrophoretic mobilities of intact and apoptotic human promyelocytic leukemia cell lines, HL-60RG cells. We have also studied the differences observed in surface properties of malignant lymphosarcoma cell line, RAW117-P, and its variant, RAW117-H10, with a high metastatic property to the liver. In both cases, the cell surfaces became softer by the changes of biological functions. We have applied electrophoresis and electro-osmosis measurements to the study of the electrokinetic surface properties of rat basophilic leukemia cells, RBL cells. It was also found that the surface of Human umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVEC, is considerably soft as compared with those of other biological cells we have studied before.

Peripheral blood stem cell mobilization: the CXCR2 ligand GRObeta rapidly mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells with enhanced engraftment properties.

PubMed

Pelus, Louis M; Fukuda, Seiji

2006-08-01

Chemokines direct the movement of leukocytes, including hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and can mobilize hematopoietic cells from marrow to peripheral blood where they can be used for transplantation. In this review, we will discuss the stem cell mobilizing activities and mechanisms of action of GRObeta, a CXC chemokine ligand for the CXCR2 receptor. GRObeta rapidly mobilizes short- and long-term repopulating cells in mice and/or monkeys and synergistically enhances mobilization responses when combined with the widely used clinical mobilizer, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The hematopoietic graft mobilized by GRObeta contains significantly more CD34(neg), Sca-1+, c-kit+, lineage(neg) (SKL) cells than the graft mobilized by G-CSF. In mice, stem cells mobilized by GRObeta demonstrate a competitive advantage upon long-term repopulation analysis and restore neutrophil and platelet counts significantly faster than cells mobilized by G-CSF. Even greater advantage in repopulation and restoration of hematopoiesis are observed with stem cells mobilized by the combination of GRObeta and G-CSF. GRObeta-mobilized SKL cells demonstrate enhanced adherence to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and VCAM(pos) endothelial cells and home more efficiently to bone marrow in vivo. The marrow homing ability of GRObeta-mobilized cells is less dependent on the CXCR4/SDF-1 axis than cells mobilized by G-CSF. The mechanism of mobilization by GRObeta requires active matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which results from release of pro-MMP-9 from peripheral blood, and marrow neutrophils, which alters the stoichiometry between pro-MMP-9 and its inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, resulting in MMP-9 activation. The efficacy and rapid action of GRObeta and lack of proinflammatory activity make it an attractive agent to supplement mobilization by G-CSF. In addition, GRObeta may also have clinical mobilizing efficacy on its own, reducing the overall time and costs associated with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Behavior of restriction–modification systems as selfish mobile elements and their impact on genome evolution

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, Ichizo

2001-01-01

Restriction–modification (RM) systems are composed of genes that encode a restriction enzyme and a modification methylase. RM systems sometimes behave as discrete units of life, like viruses and transposons. RM complexes attack invading DNA that has not been properly modified and thus may serve as a tool of defense for bacterial cells. However, any threat to their maintenance, such as a challenge by a competing genetic element (an incompatible plasmid or an allelic homologous stretch of DNA, for example) can lead to cell death through restriction breakage in the genome. This post-segregational or post-disturbance cell killing may provide the RM complexes (and any DNA linked with them) with a competitive advantage. There is evidence that they have undergone extensive horizontal transfer between genomes, as inferred from their sequence homology, codon usage bias and GC content difference. They are often linked with mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, viruses, transposons and integrons. The comparison of closely related bacterial genomes also suggests that, at times, RM genes themselves behave as mobile elements and cause genome rearrangements. Indeed some bacterial genomes that survived post-disturbance attack by an RM gene complex in the laboratory have experienced genome rearrangements. The avoidance of some restriction sites by bacterial genomes may result from selection by past restriction attacks. Both bacteriophages and bacteria also appear to use homologous recombination to cope with the selfish behavior of RM systems. RM systems compete with each other in several ways. One is competition for recognition sequences in post-segregational killing. Another is super-infection exclusion, that is, the killing of the cell carrying an RM system when it is infected with another RM system of the same regulatory specificity but of a different sequence specificity. The capacity of RM systems to act as selfish, mobile genetic elements may underlie the structure and function of RM enzymes. PMID:11557807

Behavior of restriction-modification systems as selfish mobile elements and their impact on genome evolution.

PubMed

Kobayashi, I

2001-09-15

Restriction-modification (RM) systems are composed of genes that encode a restriction enzyme and a modification methylase. RM systems sometimes behave as discrete units of life, like viruses and transposons. RM complexes attack invading DNA that has not been properly modified and thus may serve as a tool of defense for bacterial cells. However, any threat to their maintenance, such as a challenge by a competing genetic element (an incompatible plasmid or an allelic homologous stretch of DNA, for example) can lead to cell death through restriction breakage in the genome. This post-segregational or post-disturbance cell killing may provide the RM complexes (and any DNA linked with them) with a competitive advantage. There is evidence that they have undergone extensive horizontal transfer between genomes, as inferred from their sequence homology, codon usage bias and GC content difference. They are often linked with mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, viruses, transposons and integrons. The comparison of closely related bacterial genomes also suggests that, at times, RM genes themselves behave as mobile elements and cause genome rearrangements. Indeed some bacterial genomes that survived post-disturbance attack by an RM gene complex in the laboratory have experienced genome rearrangements. The avoidance of some restriction sites by bacterial genomes may result from selection by past restriction attacks. Both bacteriophages and bacteria also appear to use homologous recombination to cope with the selfish behavior of RM systems. RM systems compete with each other in several ways. One is competition for recognition sequences in post-segregational killing. Another is super-infection exclusion, that is, the killing of the cell carrying an RM system when it is infected with another RM system of the same regulatory specificity but of a different sequence specificity. The capacity of RM systems to act as selfish, mobile genetic elements may underlie the structure and function of RM enzymes.

Measuring mobile patient safety information system success: an empirical study.

PubMed

Jen, Wen-Yuan; Chao, Chia-Cheng

2008-10-01

The Health Risk Reminders and Surveillance (HRRS) system was designed to deliver critical abnormal test results of severely ill patients from Laboratory, Radiology, and Pathology departments to physicians within 5 min using cell phone text messages. This paper explores the success of the HRRS system. This study employed an augmented version of the DeLone and McLean IS success model. Seven variables (system quality, information quality, system use, user satisfaction, mobile healthcare anxiety, impact on the individual and impact on the organization) were used to evaluate the success of the HRRS system. The interrelationships between the seven variables were hypothesized and the hypotheses were empirically tested. The results indicate that the information quality of the HRRS system is positively associated with both system use and user satisfaction. In addition, system use is positively associated with user satisfaction, which is also positively associated with mobile healthcare anxiety. Moreover, results indicate that impact on the individual is positively associated with both user satisfaction and mobile healthcare anxiety. Finally, the impact of the organization is positively associated with impact on the individual. The results of the study provide an expanded understanding of the factors that contribute to mobile patient safety information system (IS) success. Implications of the relationship between system use and physician mobile healthcare anxiety are discussed.

Mobility Enhancement of Red Blood Cells with Biopolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tahara, Daiki; Oikawa, Noriko; Kurita, Rei

2016-03-01

Adhesion of red blood cells (RBC) to substrates are one of crucial problems for a blood clot. Here we investigate the mobility of RBC between two glass substrates in saline with polymer systems. We find that RBCs are adhered to the glass substrate with PEG, however the mobility steeply increases with fibrinogen and dextran, which are biopolymers. We also find that the mobility affects an aggregation dynamics of RBCs, which is related with diseases such as influenza, blood clot and so on. The Brownian motion helps to increase probability of contact with each other and to find a more stable condition of the aggregation. Thus the biopolymers play important roles not only for preventing the adhesion but also for the aggregation.

Mobile phone base station radiation does not affect neoplastic transformation in BALB/3T3 cells.

PubMed

Hirose, H; Suhara, T; Kaji, N; Sakuma, N; Sekijima, M; Nojima, T; Miyakoshi, J

2008-01-01

A large-scale in vitro study focusing on low-level radiofrequency (RF) fields from mobile radio base stations employing the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) cellular system was conducted to test the hypothesis that modulated RF fields affect malignant transformation or other cellular stress responses. Our group previously reported that DNA strand breaks were not induced in human cells exposed to 2.1425 GHz Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) radiation up to 800 mW/kg from mobile radio base stations employing the IMT-2000 cellular system. In the current study, BALB/3T3 cells were continuously exposed to 2.1425 GHz W-CDMA RF fields at specific absorption rates (SARs) of 80 and 800 mW/kg for 6 weeks and malignant cell transformation was assessed. In addition, 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA)-treated cells were exposed to RF fields in a similar fashion, to assess for effects on tumor promotion. Finally, the effect of RF fields on tumor co-promotion was assessed in BALB/3T3 cells initiated with MCA and co-exposed to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). At the end of the incubation period, transformation dishes were fixed, stained with Giemsa, and scored for morphologically transformed foci. No significant differences in transformation frequency were observed between the test groups exposed to RF signals and the sham-exposed negative controls in the non-, MCA-, or MCA plus TPA-treated cells. Our studies found no evidence to support the hypothesis that RF fields may affect malignant transformation. Our results suggest that exposure to low-level RF radiation of up to 800 mW/kg does not induce cell transformation, which causes tumor formation. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Evaluating the potential impact of a mobile telemedicine system on coordination of specialty care for patients with complicated oral lesions in Botswana

PubMed Central

Tesfalul, Martha; Littman-Quinn, Ryan; Antwi, Cynthia; Ndlovu, Siphiwo; Motsepe, Didintle; Phuthego, Motsholathebe; Tau, Boitumelo; Mohutsiwa-Dibe, Neo

2016-01-01

Mobile telemedicine involves the use of mobile device (e.g., cell phones, tablets) technology to exchange information to assist in the provision of patient care. Throughout the world, mobile telemedicine initiatives are increasing in number and in scale, but literature on their impact on patient outcomes in low-resource areas is limited. This study explores the potential impact of a mobile oral telemedicine system on the oral health specialty referral system in Botswana. Analysis of 26 eligible cases from June 2012 to July 2013 reveals high diagnosis concordance between dental officers and oral health specialists at 91.3% (21/23) but significant management plan discordance at 64.0% (16/25), over two-thirds of which involved the specialists disagreeing with the referring clinicians about the need for a visit to a specialist. These findings suggest mobile telemedicine can optimize the use of insights and skills of specialists remotely in regions where they are scarce. PMID:26510877

Progenitor cells are mobilized by acute psychological stress but not beta-adrenergic receptor agonist infusion

PubMed Central

Riddell, Natalie E.; Burns, Victoria E.; Wallace, Graham R.; Edwards, Kate M.; Drayson, Mark; Redwine, Laura S.; Hong, Suzi; Bui, Jack D.; Fischer, Johannes C.; Mills, Paul J.; Bosch, Jos A.

2015-01-01

Objectives Stimuli that activate the sympathetic nervous system, such as acute psychological stress, rapidly invoke a robust mobilization of lymphocytes into the circulation. Experimental animal studies suggest that bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (PCs) also mobilize in response to sympathetic stimulation. Here we tested the effects of acute psychological stress and brief pharmacological β-adrenergic (βAR) stimulation on peripheral PC numbers in humans. Methods In two studies, we investigated PC mobilization in response to an acute speech task (n=26) and βAR-agonist (isoproterenol) infusion (n=20). A subset of 8 participants also underwent the infusion protocol with concomitant administration of the βAR-antagonist propranolol. Flow cytometry was used to enumerate lymphocyte subsets, total progenitor cells, total haematopoietic stem cells (HSC), early HSC (multi-lineage potential), late HSC (lineage committed), and endothelial PCs (EPCs). Results Both psychological stress and βAR-agonist infusion caused the expected mobilization of total monocytes and lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Psychological stress also induced a modest, but significant, increase in total PCs, HSCs, and EPC numbers in peripheral blood. However, infusion of a βAR-agonist did not result in a significant change in circulating PCs. Conclusion PCs are rapidly mobilized by psychological stress via mechanisms independent of βAR-stimulation, although the findings do not exclude βAR-stimulation as a possible cofactor. Considering the clinical and physiological relevance, further research into the mechanisms involved in stress-induced PC mobilization seems warranted. PMID:25747743

Progenitor cells are mobilized by acute psychological stress but not beta-adrenergic receptor agonist infusion.

PubMed

Riddell, Natalie E; Burns, Victoria E; Wallace, Graham R; Edwards, Kate M; Drayson, Mark; Redwine, Laura S; Hong, Suzi; Bui, Jack C; Fischer, Johannes C; Mills, Paul J; Bosch, Jos A

2015-10-01

Stimuli that activate the sympathetic nervous system, such as acute psychological stress, rapidly invoke a robust mobilization of lymphocytes into the circulation. Experimental animal studies suggest that bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (PCs) also mobilize in response to sympathetic stimulation. Here we tested the effects of acute psychological stress and brief pharmacological β-adrenergic (βAR) stimulation on peripheral PC numbers in humans. In two studies, we investigated PC mobilization in response to an acute speech task (n=26) and βAR-agonist (isoproterenol) infusion (n=20). A subset of 8 participants also underwent the infusion protocol with concomitant administration of the βAR-antagonist propranolol. Flow cytometry was used to enumerate lymphocyte subsets, total progenitor cells, total haematopoietic stem cells (HSC), early HSC (multi-lineage potential), late HSC (lineage committed), and endothelial PCs (EPCs). Both psychological stress and βAR-agonist infusion caused the expected mobilization of total monocytes and lymphocytes and CD8(+) T lymphocytes. Psychological stress also induced a modest, but significant, increase in total PCs, HSCs, and EPC numbers in peripheral blood. However, infusion of a βAR-agonist did not result in a significant change in circulating PCs. PCs are rapidly mobilized by psychological stress via mechanisms independent of βAR-stimulation, although the findings do not exclude βAR-stimulation as a possible cofactor. Considering the clinical and physiological relevance, further research into the mechanisms involved in stress-induced PC mobilization seems warranted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of radiofrequency exposure emitted from a GSM mobile phone on proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of neural stem cells

PubMed Central

Eghlidospour, Mahsa; Ghanbari, Amir

2017-01-01

Due to the importance of neural stem cells (NSCs) in plasticity of the nervous system and treating neurodegenerative diseases, the main goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted from a GSM 900-MHz mobile phone with different exposure duration on proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of adult murine NSCs in vitro. We used neurosphere assay to evaluate NSCs proliferation, and immunofluorescence assay of neural cell markers to examine NSCs differentiation. We also employed alamarBlue and caspase 3 apoptosis assays to assess harmful effects of mobile phone on NSCs. Our results showed that the number and size of resulting neurospheres and also the percentage of cells differentiated into neurons decreased significantly with increasing exposure duration to GSM 900-MHz radiofrequency (RF)-electromagnetic field (EMF). In contrast, exposure to GSM 900-MHz RF-EMF at different durations did not influence cell viability and apoptosis of NSCs and also their astrocytic differentiation. It is concluded that accumulating dose of GSM 900-MHz RF-EMF might have devastating effects on NSCs proliferation and neurogenesis requiring more causations in terms of using mobile devices. PMID:28713615

Effects of radiofrequency exposure emitted from a GSM mobile phone on proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of neural stem cells.

PubMed

Eghlidospour, Mahsa; Ghanbari, Amir; Mortazavi, Seyyed Mohammad Javad; Azari, Hassan

2017-06-01

Due to the importance of neural stem cells (NSCs) in plasticity of the nervous system and treating neurodegenerative diseases, the main goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency radiation emitted from a GSM 900-MHz mobile phone with different exposure duration on proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of adult murine NSCs in vitro . We used neurosphere assay to evaluate NSCs proliferation, and immunofluorescence assay of neural cell markers to examine NSCs differentiation. We also employed alamarBlue and caspase 3 apoptosis assays to assess harmful effects of mobile phone on NSCs. Our results showed that the number and size of resulting neurospheres and also the percentage of cells differentiated into neurons decreased significantly with increasing exposure duration to GSM 900-MHz radiofrequency (RF)-electromagnetic field (EMF). In contrast, exposure to GSM 900-MHz RF-EMF at different durations did not influence cell viability and apoptosis of NSCs and also their astrocytic differentiation. It is concluded that accumulating dose of GSM 900-MHz RF-EMF might have devastating effects on NSCs proliferation and neurogenesis requiring more causations in terms of using mobile devices.

Accelerated lymphocyte reconstitution and long-term recovery after transplantation of lentiviral-transduced rhesus CD34+ cells mobilized by G-CSF and plerixafor.

PubMed

Uchida, Naoya; Bonifacino, Aylin; Krouse, Allen E; Metzger, Mark E; Csako, Gyorgy; Lee-Stroka, Agnes; Fasano, Ross M; Leitman, Susan F; Mattapallil, Joseph J; Hsieh, Matthew M; Tisdale, John F; Donahue, Robert E

2011-07-01

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in combination with plerixafor produces significant mobilization of CD34(+) cells in rhesus macaques. We sought to evaluate whether these CD34(+) cells can stably reconstitute blood cells with lentiviral gene marking. We performed hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using G-CSF and plerixafor-mobilized rhesus CD34(+) cells transduced with a lentiviral vector, and these data were compared with those of G-CSF and stem cell factor mobilization. G-CSF and plerixafor mobilization resulted in CD34(+) cell yields that were twofold higher than yields with G-CSF and stem cell factor. CD123 (interleukin-3 receptor) expression was greater in G-CSF and plerixafor-mobilized CD34(+) cells when compared to G-CSF alone. Animals transplanted with G-CSF and plerixafor-mobilized cells showed engraftment of all lineages, similar to animals who received G-CSF and stem cell factor-mobilized grafts. Lymphocyte engraftment was accelerated in animals receiving the G-CSF and plerixafor-mobilized CD34(+) cells. One animal in the G-CSF and plerixafor group developed cold agglutinin-associated skin rash during the first 3 months of rapid lymphocyte recovery. One year after transplantation, all animals had 2% to 10% transgene expression in all blood cell lineages. G-CSF and plerixafor-mobilized CD34(+) cells accelerate lymphocyte engraftment and contain hematopoietic stem cell capable of reconstituting multilineage blood cells. These findings indicate important differences to consider in plerixafor-based hematopoietic stem cell mobilization protocols in rhesus macaques. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Thermally-Rechargeable Electrochemical Cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richter, R.

1985-01-01

Proposed liquid-sodium/sulfur electrochemical cell recharged by heat, rather than electric generator. Concept suitable for energy storage for utilites, mobile electronic equipment, and solar thermoelectric power systems. Sodium ions driven across membrane with aid of temperature differential.

Probing the biology of dry biological systems to address the basis of seed longevity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Drying cells reduces molecular mobility and slows chemical and physical reactions. As a result, dry biological systems deteriorate slowly. The time course of deterioration in a population of living cells often follows a sigmoidal pattern in which aging is occurring but no changes to viability are ...

Chemometric studies for the characterization and differentiation of microorganisms using in situ derivatization and thermal desorption ion mobility spectrometry.

PubMed

Ochoa, Mariela L; Harrington, Peter B

2005-02-01

Whole-cell bacteria were characterized and differentiated by thermal desorption ion mobility spectrometry and chemometric modeling. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the differences in the ion mobility spectra of whole-cell bacteria and the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) generated in situ after derivatization of the bacterial lipids. Alternating least squares served to extract bacterial peaks from the complex ion mobility spectra of intact microorganisms and, therefore, facilitated the characterization of bacterial strains, species, and Gram type. In situ thermal hydrolysis/methylation with tetramethylammonium hydroxide was necessary for the differentiation of Escherichia coli strains, which otherwise could not be distinguished by spectra acquired with the ITEMISER ion mobility spectrometer. The addition of the methylating agent had no effect on Gram-positive bacteria, and therefore, they could not be differentiated by genera. The classification of E. coli strains was possible by analysis of the IMS spectra from the FAMEs generated in situ. By using the fuzzy multivariate rule-building expert system and cross-validation, a correct classification rate of 96% (22 out of 23 spectra) was obtained. Chemometric modeling on bacterial ion mobility spectra coupled to thermal hydrolysis/methylation proved a simple, rapid (2 min/sample), inexpensive, and sensitive technique to characterize and differentiate intact microorganisms. The ITEMISER ion mobility spectrometer could detect as few as 4 x 10(6) cells/sample.

Comparison of Different Stem Cell Mobilization Regimens in AL Amyloidosis Patients.

PubMed

Lisenko, Katharina; Wuchter, Patrick; Hansberg, Marion; Mangatter, Anja; Benner, Axel; Ho, Anthony D; Goldschmidt, Hartmut; Hegenbart, Ute; Schönland, Stefan

2017-11-01

High-dose melphalan (HDM) and autologous blood stem cell transplantation (ABSCT) is an effective treatment for transplantation-eligible patients with systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Whereas most centers use granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone for mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC), the application of mobilization chemotherapy might offer specific advantages. We retrospectively analyzed 110 patients with AL amyloidosis who underwent PBSC collection. Major eligibility criteria included age <70 years and cardiac insufficiency New York Heart Association ≤III°. Before mobilization, 67 patients (61%) had been pretreated with induction therapy, including 17 (15%) patients who had received melphalan. Chemo-mobilization was performed with either cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, dexamethasone (CAD)/G-CSF (n = 78, 71%); ifosfamide/G-CSF (n = 14, 13%); or other regimens (n = 8, 7%). AL amyloidosis patients with predominant heart involvement and/or status post heart transplantation were mobilized with G-CSF only (n = 10, 9%). PBSC collection was successful in 101 patients (92%) at first attempt. The median number of CD34 + cells was 8.7 (range, 2.1 to 45.5) × 10 6 CD34 + /kg collected in a median of 1 leukapheresis (LP) session. Compared with G-CSF-only mobilization, a chemo-mobilization with CAD/G-CSF or ifosfamide/G-CSF had a positive impact on the number of collected CD34 + cell number/kg per LP (P <.001, multivariate). Melphalan-containing previous therapy and higher age had a significant negative impact on quantity of collected CD34 + cells. Median common toxicity criteria (CTC) grade of nonhematologic toxicity was II (range, 0 to IV). Life-threatening CTC grade IV adverse events were observed in 3 patients with no fatalities. Cardiovascular events were observed in 17 patients (22%) upon CAD/G-CSF mobilization (median CTC: grade 3; range, 1 to 4). Toxicity in patients undergoing ifosfamide/G-CSF mobilization was higher than in with those who received G-CSF-only mobilization. HDM and ABSCT were performed in 100 patients. Compared with >6.5 × 10 6 transplanted CD34 + cells/kg, an ABSCT with <3 × 10 6 CD34 + cells/kg was associated with a longer duration to leukocyte reconstitution >1 × 10 9 /L and a reduced platelet count <150 × 10 9 /L 1 year after ASCT. Our results show that CAD chemotherapy is very effective in PBSC mobilization and has a tolerable toxicity profile in AL amyloidosis patients. A further toxicity reduction by omission of doxorubicin might be considered. Because of advanced nonhematologic toxicity, ifosfamide administration cannot be recommended. However, G-CSF mobilization alone is also safe and effective. Considering the hematopoietic reconstitution and long-term stem cell function, our results provide a rationale to collect and transplant as many as >6.5 × 10 6 CD34 + cells/kg, if feasible with reasonable effort. Copyright © 2017 The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Learning Optimized Local Difference Binaries for Scalable Augmented Reality on Mobile Devices.

PubMed

Xin Yang; Kwang-Ting Cheng

2014-06-01

The efficiency, robustness and distinctiveness of a feature descriptor are critical to the user experience and scalability of a mobile augmented reality (AR) system. However, existing descriptors are either too computationally expensive to achieve real-time performance on a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or not sufficiently robust and distinctive to identify correct matches from a large database. As a result, current mobile AR systems still only have limited capabilities, which greatly restrict their deployment in practice. In this paper, we propose a highly efficient, robust and distinctive binary descriptor, called Learning-based Local Difference Binary (LLDB). LLDB directly computes a binary string for an image patch using simple intensity and gradient difference tests on pairwise grid cells within the patch. To select an optimized set of grid cell pairs, we densely sample grid cells from an image patch and then leverage a modified AdaBoost algorithm to automatically extract a small set of critical ones with the goal of maximizing the Hamming distance between mismatches while minimizing it between matches. Experimental results demonstrate that LLDB is extremely fast to compute and to match against a large database due to its high robustness and distinctiveness. Compared to the state-of-the-art binary descriptors, primarily designed for speed, LLDB has similar efficiency for descriptor construction, while achieving a greater accuracy and faster matching speed when matching over a large database with 2.3M descriptors on mobile devices.

Mechanical Design and Testing of an Instrumented Rocker-Bogie Mobility System for the Kapvik Micro-Rover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setterfield, T.

The rocker-bogie mobility system is a six-wheeled mobility system with the ability to equilibrate ground pressure amongst its wheels and traverse obstacles up to one wheel diameter in height; it has been used previously on NASA's Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity rovers. This paper presents the mechanical design of an instrumented rocker-bogie mobility system for Kapvik, a 30 kg planetary micro-rover prototype developed for the Canadian Space Agency. The design of the wheel drive system is presented, including: motor selection, gear train selection, and performance limits. The design of a differential mechanism, which minimizes the pitch angle of the rover body, is provided. Design considerations for the integration of single-axis force sensors above the wheel hubs are presented. Structural analysis of the rocker and bogie links is outlined. The cross-hill and uphill-downhill static stability of Kapvik is investigated. Load cell and joint position data from testing during obstacle negotiation and uphill operation are presented.

Non-Flow-Through Fuel Cell System Test Results and Demonstration on the SCARAB Rover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheidegger, Brianne, T.; Burke, Kenneth A.; Jakupca, Ian J.

2012-01-01

This paper describes the results of the demonstration of a non-flow-through PEM fuel cell as part of a power system on the SCARAB rover. A 16-cell non-flow-through fuel cell stack from Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. was incorporated into a power system designed to act as a range extender by providing power to the rover s hotel loads. This work represents the first attempt at a ground demonstration of this new technology aboard a mobile test platform. Development and demonstration were supported by the Office of the Chief Technologist s Space Power Systems Project and the Advanced Exploration System Modular Power Systems Project.

Mobile phones: influence on auditory and vestibular systems.

PubMed

Balbani, Aracy Pereira Silveira; Montovani, Jair Cortez

2008-01-01

Telecommunications systems emit radiofrequency, which is an invisible electromagnetic radiation. Mobile phones operate with microwaves (450900 MHz in the analog service, and 1,82,2 GHz in the digital service) very close to the users ear. The skin, inner ear, cochlear nerve and the temporal lobe surface absorb the radiofrequency energy. literature review on the influence of cellular phones on hearing and balance. systematic review. We reviewed papers on the influence of mobile phones on auditory and vestibular systems from Lilacs and Medline databases, published from 2000 to 2005, and also materials available in the Internet. Studies concerning mobile phone radiation and risk of developing an acoustic neuroma have controversial results. Some authors did not see evidences of a higher risk of tumor development in mobile phone users, while others report that usage of analog cellular phones for ten or more years increase the risk of developing the tumor. Acute exposure to mobile phone microwaves do not influence the cochlear outer hair cells function in vivo and in vitro, the cochlear nerve electrical properties nor the vestibular system physiology in humans. Analog hearing aids are more susceptible to the electromagnetic interference caused by digital mobile phones. there is no evidence of cochleo-vestibular lesion caused by cellular phones.

Induction of an adaptive response in human blood lymphocytes exposed to radiofrequency fields: influence of the universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS) signal and the specific absorption rate.

PubMed

Zeni, Olga; Sannino, Anna; Romeo, Stefania; Massa, Rita; Sarti, Maurizio; Reddy, Abishek B; Prihoda, Thomas J; Vijayalaxmi; Scarfì, Maria Rosaria

2012-08-30

The induction of an adaptive response (AR) was examined in human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields (RF). Cells from nine healthy human volunteers were stimulated for 24h with phytohaemagglutinin and then exposed for 20h to an adaptive dose (AD) of a 1950MHz RF UMTS (universal mobile telecommunication system) signal used for mobile communications, at different specific absorption rates (SAR) of 1.25, 0.6, 0.3, and 0.15W/kg. This was followed by treatment of the cells at 48h with a challenge dose (CD) of 100ng/ml mitomycin C (MMC). Lymphocytes were collected at the end of the 72h total culture period. The cytokinesis-block method was used to record the frequency of micronuclei (MN) as genotoxicity end-point. When lymphocytes from six donors were pre-exposed to RF at 0.3W/kg SAR and then treated with MMC, these cells showed a significant reduction in the frequency of MN, compared with the cells treated with MMC alone; this result is indicative of induction of AR. The results from our earlier study indicated that lymphocytes that were stimulated for 24h, exposed for 20h to a 900MHz RF GSM (global system for mobile communication) signal at 1.25W/kg SAR and then treated with 100ng/ml MMC, also exhibited AR. These overall data suggest that the induction of AR depends on RF frequency, type of the signal and SAR. Further characterization of RF-induced AR is in progress. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

How do plants achieve immunity? Defence without specialized immune cells.

PubMed

Spoel, Steven H; Dong, Xinnian

2012-01-25

Vertebrates have evolved a sophisticated adaptive immune system that relies on an almost infinite diversity of antigen receptors that are clonally expressed by specialized immune cells that roam the circulatory system. These immune cells provide vertebrates with extraordinary antigen-specific immune capacity and memory, while minimizing self-reactivity. Plants, however, lack specialized mobile immune cells. Instead, every plant cell is thought to be capable of launching an effective immune response. So how do plants achieve specific, self-tolerant immunity and establish immune memory? Recent developments point towards a multilayered plant innate immune system comprised of self-surveillance, systemic signalling and chromosomal changes that together establish effective immunity.

Single Dose of the CXCR4 Antagonist BL-8040 Induces Rapid Mobilization for the Collection of Human CD34+ Cells in Healthy Volunteers.

PubMed

Abraham, Michal; Pereg, Yaron; Bulvik, Baruch; Klein, Shiri; Mishalian, Inbal; Wald, Hana; Eizenberg, Orly; Beider, Katia; Nagler, Arnon; Golan, Rottem; Vainstein, Abi; Aharon, Arnon; Galun, Eithan; Caraco, Yoseph; Or, Reuven; Peled, Amnon

2017-11-15

Purpose: The potential of the high-affinity CXCR4 antagonist BL-8040 as a monotherapy-mobilizing agent and its derived graft composition and quality were evaluated in a phase I clinical study in healthy volunteers (NCT02073019). Experimental Design: The first part of the study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose escalation phase. The second part of the study was an open-label phase, in which 8 subjects received a single injection of BL-8040 (1 mg/kg) and approximately 4 hours later underwent a standard leukapheresis procedure. The engraftment potential of the purified mobilized CD34 + cells was further evaluated by transplanting the cells into NSG immunodeficient mice. Results: BL-8040 was found safe and well tolerated at all doses tested (0.5-1 mg/kg). The main treatment-related adverse events were mild to moderate. Transient injection site and systemic reactions were mitigated by methylprednisolone, paracetamol, and promethazine pretreatment. In the first part of the study, BL-8040 triggered rapid and substantial mobilization of WBCs and CD34 + cells in all tested doses. Four hours postdose, the count rose to a mean of 8, 37, 31, and 35 cells/μL (placebo, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/kg, respectively). FACS analysis revealed substantial mobilization of immature dendritic, T, B, and NK cells. In the second part, the mean CD34 + cells/kg collected were 11.6 × 10 6 cells/kg. The graft composition was rich in immune cells. Conclusions: The current data demonstrate that BL-8040 is a safe and effective monotherapy strategy for the collection of large amounts of CD34 + cells and immune cells in a one-day procedure for allogeneic HSPC transplantation. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 6790-801. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Geo-targeted Weather Alerts Coming to Millions of Mobile Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerber, M.

2011-12-01

The Personal Localized Alert Network (PLAN), aka Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS), is readying for roll out and will be broadcasting emergency public alerts to millions of cell phones by the middle of 2012. Learn how the National Weather Serivce (NWS) is supplying PLAN with geo-referenced weather alert information in the industry standard Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) format and how you can access this same information for integration with mobile devices, other consumer electronics, and decision support systems. Information will also be provided on the NWS' new collaborative venue that encourages wide participation in the evolution and use of NWS CAP alerts in a variety of applications.

Methylene Blue (Tetramethylthionine Chloride) Influences the Mobility of Adult Neural Stem Cells: A Potentially Novel Therapeutic Mechanism of a Therapeutic Approach in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

PubMed

van der Ven, Amelie T; Pape, Julius C; Hermann, Dirk; Schloesser, Robert; Genius, Just; Fischer, Nadine; Mößner, Rainald; Scherbaum, Norbert; Wiltfang, Jens; Rujescu, Dan; Benninghoff, Jens

2017-01-01

An interest in neurogenesis in the adult human brain as a relevant and targetable process has emerged as a potential treatment option for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of tetramethylthionine chloride (methylene blue, MB) on properties of adult murine neural stem cells. Based on recent clinical studies, MB has increasingly been discussed as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. While no differences in the proliferative capacity were identified, a general potential of MB in modulating the migratory capacity of adult neural stem cells was indicated in a cell mobility assay. To our knowledge, this is the first time that MB could be associated with neural mobility. The results of this study add insight to the spectrum of features of MB within the central nervous system and may be helpful for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying a potential therapeutic effect of MB.

Complex Mobile Independent Power Station for Urban Areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tunik, A. A.; Tolstoy, M. Y.

2017-11-01

A new type of a complex mobile independent power station developed in the Department of Engineering Communications and Life-Support Systems of Irkutsk National Research Technical University, is presented in this article. This station contains only solar panel, wind turbine, accumulator, diesel generator and microbial fuel cell for to produce electric energy, heat pump and solar collector to generate heat energy and also wastewater treatment plant and new complex control system. The complex mobile independent power station is intended for full power supply of a different kind of consumers located even in remote areas thus reducing their dependence from centralized energy supply systems, decrease the fossil fuel consumption, improve the environment of urban areas and solve the problems of the purification of industrial and municipal wastewater.

Mobile Traffic Alert and Tourist Route Guidance System Design Using Geospatial Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, D.; Painho, M.; Mishra, S.; Gupta, A.

2017-09-01

The present study describes an integrated system for traffic data collection and alert warning. Geographical information based decision making related to traffic destinations and routes is proposed through the design. The system includes a geospatial database having profile relating to a user of a mobile device. The processing and understanding of scanned maps, other digital data input leads to route guidance. The system includes a server configured to receive traffic information relating to a route and location information relating to the mobile device. Server is configured to send a traffic alert to the mobile device when the traffic information and the location information indicate that the mobile device is traveling toward traffic congestion. Proposed system has geospatial and mobile data sets pertaining to Bangalore city in India. It is envisaged to be helpful for touristic purposes as a route guidance and alert relaying information system to tourists for proximity to sites worth seeing in a city they have entered into. The system is modular in architecture and the novelty lies in integration of different modules carrying different technologies for a complete traffic information system. Generic information processing and delivery system has been tested to be functional and speedy under test geospatial domains. In a restricted prototype model with geo-referenced route data required information has been delivered correctly over sustained trials to designated cell numbers, with average time frame of 27.5 seconds, maximum 50 and minimum 5 seconds. Traffic geo-data set trials testing is underway.

The role of stem cell mobilization regimen on lymphocyte collection yield in patients with multiple myeloma.

PubMed

Hiwase, D K; Hiwase, S; Bailey, M; Bollard, G; Schwarer, A P

2008-01-01

The lymphocyte dose (LY-DO) infused during an autograft influences absolute lymphocyte (ALC) recovery and survival following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Factors influencing lymphocyte yield (LY-C) during leukapheresis have been poorly studied. Factors that could influence survival, LY-C and CD34(+) cell yield were analyzed in 122 MM patients. Three mobilization regimens were used, granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone (n=13), cyclophosphamide 1-2 g/m(2) plus G-CSF (LD-CY, n=62) and cyclophosphamide 3-4 g/m(2) and G-CSF (ID-CY, n=47). Using multivariate analysis, age, LY-C, ALC on day 30 (ALC-30) and International Staging System stage significantly influenced overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) following ASCT. PFS (56 versus 29 months, P=0.05) and OS (72 versus 49 months; P=0.07) were longer in the LY-C>or=0.12x10(9)/kg group than the LY-C<0.12x10(9)/kg group. LY-C also influenced ALC on day 15 (ALC-15). Mobilization regimen, lymphocytes on the day of leukapheresis, prior radiotherapy and number of leukaphereses significantly influenced LY-C. Significantly higher LY-C was obtained with G-CSF alone compared with the LD-CY and ID-CY groups. CD34(+) count on the day of leukapheresis, prior chemotherapy with prednisone, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin and BCNU or melphalan, and stem cell mobilization regimen significantly influenced CD34(+) cell yield. LY-C influenced ALC-15 and survival following ASCT. Factors that influenced CD34(+) cell yield and LY-C during leukapheresis were different. Mobilization should be tailored to maximize the LY-C and CD34(+) cell yield.

Improving the Charge Carrier Transport and Suppressing Recombination of Soluble Squaraine-Based Solar Cells via Parallel-Like Structure

PubMed Central

Zhu, Youqin; Liu, Jingli; Zhao, Jiao; Li, Yang; Qiao, Bo; Song, Dandan; Huang, Yan; Xu, Zheng; Zhao, Suling; Xu, Xurong

2018-01-01

Small molecule organic solar cells (SMOSCs) have attracted extensive attention in recent years. Squaraine (SQ) is a kind of small molecule material for potential use in high-efficiency devices, because of its high extinction coefficient and low-cost synthesis. However, the charge carrier mobility of SQ-based film is much lower than other effective materials, which leads to the pretty low fill factor (FF). In this study, we improve the performance of SQ derivative-based solar cells by incorporating PCDTBT into LQ-51/PC71BM host binary blend film. The incorporation of PCDTBT can not only increase the photon harvesting, but also provide an additional hole transport pathway. Through the charge carrier mobility and transient photovoltage measurement, we find that the hole mobility and charge carrier lifetime increase in the ternary system. Also, we carefully demonstrate that the charge carrier transport follows a parallel-like behavior. PMID:29747394

SXT/R391 Integrative and Conjugative Elements (ICEs) Encode a Novel 'Trap-Door' Strategy for Mobile Element Escape.

PubMed

Ryan, Michael P; Armshaw, Patricia; Pembroke, J Tony

2016-01-01

Integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) are a class of bacterial mobile elements that have the ability to mediate their own integration, excision, and transfer from one host genome to another by a mechanism of site-specific recombination, self-circularisation, and conjugative transfer. Members of the SXT/R391 ICE family of enterobacterial mobile genetic elements display an unusual UV-inducible sensitization function which results in stress induced killing of bacterial cells harboring the ICE. This sensitization has been shown to be associated with a stress induced overexpression of a mobile element encoded conjugative transfer gene, orf43, a traV homolog. This results in cell lysis and release of a circular form of the ICE. Induction of this novel system may allow transfer of an ICE, enhancing its survival potential under conditions not conducive to conjugative transfer.

The impact of hot charge carrier mobility on photocurrent losses in polymer-based solar cells

PubMed Central

Philippa, Bronson; Stolterfoht, Martin; Burn, Paul L.; Juška, Gytis; Meredith, Paul; White, Ronald D.; Pivrikas, Almantas

2014-01-01

A typical signature of charge extraction in disordered organic systems is dispersive transport, which implies a distribution of charge carrier mobilities that negatively impact on device performance. Dispersive transport has been commonly understood to originate from a time-dependent mobility of hot charge carriers that reduces as excess energy is lost during relaxation in the density of states. In contrast, we show via photon energy, electric field and film thickness independence of carrier mobilities that the dispersive photocurrent in organic solar cells originates not from the loss of excess energy during hot carrier thermalization, but rather from the loss of carrier density to trap states during transport. Our results emphasize that further efforts should be directed to minimizing the density of trap states, rather than controlling energetic relaxation of hot carriers within the density of states. PMID:25047086

Market survey of fuel cells in Mexico: Niche for low power portable systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramírez-Salgado, Joel; Domínguez-Aguilar, Marco A.

This work provides an overview of the potential market in Mexico for portable electronic devices to be potentially powered by direct methanol fuel cells. An extrapolation method based on data published in Mexico and abroad served to complete this market survey. A review of electronics consumption set the basis for the future forecast and technology assimilation. The potential market for fuel cells for mobile phones in Mexico will be around 5.5 billion USD by 2013, considering a cost of 41 USD per cell in a market of 135 million mobile phones. Likewise, the market for notebook computers, PDAs and other electronic devices will likely grow in the future, with a combined consumption of fuel cell technology equivalent to 1.6 billion USD by 2014.

Cell-phone based assistance for waterworks/sewage plant maintenance.

PubMed

Kawada, T; Nakamichi, K; Hisano, N; Kitamura, M; Miyahara, K

2006-01-01

Cell-phones are now incorporating the functions necessary for them to be used as mobile IT devices. In this paper, we present our results of the evaluation of cell-phones as the mobile IT device to assist workers in industrial plants. We use waterworks and sewage plants as examples. By employing techniques to squeeze the SCADA screen on CRT into a small cell-phone LCD, we have made it easier for a plant's field workers to access the information needed for effective maintenance, regardless of location. An idea to link SCADA information and the plant facility information on the cell-phone is also presented. Should an accident or emergency situation arise, these cell-phone-based IT systems can efficiently deliver the latest plant information, thus the worker out in the field can respond to and resolve the emergency.

A reaction-diffusion within-host HIV model with cell-to-cell transmission.

PubMed

Ren, Xinzhi; Tian, Yanni; Liu, Lili; Liu, Xianning

2018-06-01

In this paper, a reaction-diffusion within-host HIV model is proposed. It incorporates cell mobility, spatial heterogeneity and cell-to-cell transmission, which depends on the diffusion ability of the infected cells. In the case of a bounded domain, the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] is established and shown as a threshold: the virus-free steady state is globally asymptotically stable if [Formula: see text] and the virus is uniformly persistent if [Formula: see text]. The explicit formula for [Formula: see text] and the global asymptotic stability of the constant positive steady state are obtained for the case of homogeneous space. In the case of an unbounded domain and [Formula: see text], the existence of the traveling wave solutions is proved and the minimum wave speed [Formula: see text] is obtained, providing the mobility of infected cells does not exceed that of the virus. These results are obtained by using Schauder fixed point theorem, limiting argument, LaSalle's invariance principle and one-side Laplace transform. It is found that the asymptotic spreading speed may be larger than the minimum wave speed via numerical simulations. However, our simulations show that it is possible either to underestimate or overestimate the spread risk [Formula: see text] if the spatial averaged system is used rather than one that is spatially explicit. The spread risk may also be overestimated if we ignore the mobility of the cells. It turns out that the minimum wave speed could be either underestimated or overestimated as long as the mobility of infected cells is ignored.

Non-Flow-Through Fuel Cell System Test Results and Demonstration on the SCARAB Rover

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheidegger, Brianne; Burke, Kenneth; Jakupca, Ian

2012-01-01

This presentation describes the results of the demonstration of a non-flow-through PEM fuel cell as part of a power system on the SCARAB rover at the NASA Glenn Research Center. A 16-cell non-flow-through fuel cell stack from Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. was incorporated into a power system designed to act as a range extender by providing power to the SCARAB rover s hotel loads. The power system, including the non-flow-through fuel cell technology, successfully demonstrated its goal as a range extender by powering hotel loads on the SCARAB rover, making this demonstration the first to use the non-flow-through fuel cell technology on a mobile platform.

Cell Phones, Tablets, and Other Mobile Technology for Users with Visual Impairments

MedlinePlus

... Visual Impairments Cell Phones, Tablets, and Other Mobile Technology for Users with Visual Impairments The Mobile Revolution ... 223 Likes) Cell Phones, Tablets, and Other Mobile Technology Touchscreen Smartphone Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments ...

[Cell phone communication: hygienic characteristics, biological action, standardization (a review)].

PubMed

Gudina, M V; Volkotrub, L P

2010-01-01

The paper considers the topical issues concerning the functioning of the cellular communication system. It provides the hygienic characteristics of its individual elements. The factors influencing the size of an electromagnetic field generated by mobile phones are stated. Research data on the impact of electromagnetic radiation from a mobile phone on users' health are reviewed. The pivots of present-day Russian hygienic rating regarding the permissible exposures to nonionizing electromagnetic energy generated by the elements of the cellular communication system are identified.

[Metabolic changes in cells under electromagnetic radiation of mobile communication systems].

PubMed

Iakimenko, I L; Sidorik, E P; Tsybulin, A S

2011-01-01

Review is devoted to the analysis of biological effects of microwaves. The results of last years' researches indicated the potential risks of long-term low-level microwaves exposure for human health. The analysis of metabolic changes in living cells under the exposure of microwaves from mobile communication systems indicates that this factor is stressful for cells. Among the reproducible effects of low-level microwave radiation are overexpression of heat shock proteins, an increase of reactive oxygen species level, an increase of intracellular Ca2+, damage of DNA, inhibition of DNA reparation, and induction of apoptosis. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinases ERK and stress-related kinases p38MAPK are involved in metabolic changes. Analysis of current data suggests that the concept of exceptionally thermal mechanism of biological effects of microwaves is not correct. In turn, this raises the question of the need to revaluation of modern electromagnetic standards based on thermal effects of non-ionizing radiation on biological systems.

Effect of colorectal cancer on the number of normal stem cells circulating in peripheral blood.

PubMed

Marlicz, Wojciech; Sielatycka, Katarzyna; Serwin, Karol; Kubis, Ewa; Tkacz, Marta; Głuszko, Rafał; Białek, Andrzej; Starzyńska, Teresa; Ratajczak, Mariusz Z

2016-12-01

Bone marrow (BM) residing stem cells are mobilized from their BM niches into peripheral blood (PB) in several pathological situations including tissue organ injury and systemic inflammation. We recently reported that the number of BM-derived stem cells (SCs) increases in patients with pancreatic and stomach cancer. Accordingly, we observed higher numbers of circulating very small embryonic/epiblast‑like stem cells (VSELs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that were associated with the activation of pro-mobilizing complement cascade and an elevated level of sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) in PB plasma. We wondered if a similar correlation occurs in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 46 patients were enrolled in this study: 17 with CRC, 18 with benign colonic adenomas (BCA) and 11 healthy individuals. By employing fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) we evaluated the number of BM-derived SCs circulating in PB: i) CD34+/Lin-/CD45- and CD133-/Lin-/CD45- VSELs; ii) CD45-/CD105+/CD90+/CD29+ MSCs; iii) CD45-/CD34+/CD133+/KDR+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs); and iv) CD133+/Lin-/CD45+ or CD34+/Lin-/CD45+ cells enriched for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). In parallel, we measured in the PB parameters regulating the egress of SCs from BM into PB. In contrast to pancreatic and gastric cancer patients, CRC subjects presented neither an increase in the number of circulating SCs nor the activation of pro-mobilizing factors such as complement, coagulation and fibrinolytic cascade, circulating stromal derived factor 1 (SDF‑1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intestinal permeability marker (zonulin). In conclusion, mobilization of SCs in cancer patients depends on the type of malignancy and its ability to activate pro-mobilization cascades.

Cell Partition in Two Polymer Aqueous Phases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, D. E.

1985-01-01

In a reduced gravity environment the two polymer phases will not separate via density driven settling in an acceptably short length of time. It is to be expected that a certain amount of phase separation will take place, however, driven by the reduction in free energy gained when the interfacial area is reduced. This stage of separation process will therefore depend directly on the magnitude of the interfacial tension between the phases. In order to induce complete phase separation in a short time, electric field-induced separation which occurs because the droplets of one phase in the other have high electrophoretic mobilities which increase with droplet size was investigated. These mobilities are significant only in the presence of certain salts, particularly phosphates. The presence of such salts, in turn has a strong effect on the cell partition behavior in dextran-poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) systems. The addition of the salts necessary to produce phase drop mobilities has a large effect on the interfacial tensions in the systems.

Poor stem cell harvest may not always be related to poor mobilization: lessons gained from a mobilization study in patients with β-thalassemia major.

PubMed

Constantinou, Varnavas C; Bouinta, Asimina; Karponi, Garyfalia; Zervou, Fani; Papayanni, Penelope-Georgia; Stamatoyannopoulos, George; Anagnostopoulos, Achilles; Yannaki, Evangelia

2017-04-01

Hematopoietic stem cell mobilization and leukapheresis in adult patients with β-thalassemia have recently been optimized in the context of clinical trials for obtaining hematopoietic stem cells for thalassemia gene therapy. In some patients, however, the yield of cluster of differentiation 34-positive (CD34+) cells was poor despite successful mobilization, and a modification of apheresis settings was mandatory for harvest rescue. Data were analyzed from 20 adult patients with β-thalassemia who were enrolled in a clinical trial of optimizing mobilization strategies for stem cell gene therapy. The aim of this post-hoc analysis was to assess how certain hematological and/or clinical parameters may correlate with low collection efficiency in the presence of adequate numbers of circulating stem cells after pharmacological mobilization and standard leukapheresis procedures. Among 19 patients who achieved optimal mobilization with Plerixafor, four who underwent splenectomy demonstrated disproportionately poor CD34+ cell harvests, as determined by their circulating CD34+ cell counts after mobilization. All four patients who underwent splenectomy presented at baseline and before first apheresis with lymphocytosis resulting in lymphocyte/neutrophil ratios well above 1 and marked reticulocytosis compared with patients who achieved optimal mobilization/CD34+ cell harvest. Such unexpected expansion of specific cell populations disrupted the normal cell layer separation and necessitated modification of the apheresis settings to rescue the harvests. By close examination of certain hematological and/or clinical parameters before leukapheresis, patients who, despite adequate mobilization, are at risk for poor CD34+ cell harvests may be identified, and harvest failure can be prevented by adjusting the apheresis settings. © 2016 AABB.

Evaluating the potential impact of a mobile telemedicine system on coordination of specialty care for patients with complicated oral lesions in Botswana.

PubMed

Tesfalul, Martha; Littman-Quinn, Ryan; Antwi, Cynthia; Ndlovu, Siphiwo; Motsepe, Didintle; Phuthego, Motsholathebe; Tau, Boitumelo; Mohutsiwa-Dibe, Neo; Kovarik, Carrie

2016-04-01

Mobile telemedicine involves the use of mobile device (e.g., cell phones, tablets) technology to exchange information to assist in the provision of patient care. Throughout the world, mobile telemedicine initiatives are increasing in number and in scale, but literature on their impact on patient outcomes in low-resource areas is limited. This study explores the potential impact of a mobile oral telemedicine system on the oral health specialty referral system in Botswana. Analysis of 26 eligible cases from June 2012 to July 2013 reveals high diagnosis concordance between dental officers and oral health specialists at 91.3% (21/23) but significant management plan discordance at 64.0% (16/25), over two-thirds of which involved the specialists disagreeing with the referring clinicians about the need for a visit to a specialist. These findings suggest mobile telemedicine can optimize the use of insights and skills of specialists remotely in regions where they are scarce. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Plant polyphenols mobilize nuclear copper in human peripheral lymphocytes leading to oxidatively generated DNA breakage: implications for an anticancer mechanism.

PubMed

Shamim, Uzma; Hanif, Sarmad; Ullah, M F; Azmi, Asfar S; Bhat, Showket H; Hadi, S M

2008-08-01

It was earlier proposed that an important anti-cancer mechanism of plant polyphenols may involve mobilization of endogenous copper ions, possibly chromatin-bound copper and the consequent pro-oxidant action. This paper shows that plant polyphenols are able to mobilize nuclear copper in human lymphocytes, leading to degradation of cellular DNA. A cellular system of lymphocytes isolated from human peripheral blood and comet assay was used for this purpose. Incubation of lymphocytes with neocuproine (a cell membrane permeable copper chelator) inhibited DNA degradation in intact lymphocytes. Bathocuproine, which is unable to permeate through the cell membrane, did not cause such inhibition. This study has further shown that polyphenols are able to degrade DNA in cell nuclei and that such DNA degradation is inhibited by neocuproine as well as bathocuproine (both of which are able to permeate the nuclear pore complex), suggesting that nuclear copper is mobilized in this reaction. Pre-incubation of lymphocyte nuclei with polyphenols indicates that it is capable of traversing the nuclear membrane. This study has also shown that polyphenols generate oxidative stress in lymphocyte nuclei which is inhibited by scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neocuproine. These results indicate that the generation of ROS occurs through mobilization of nuclear copper resulting in oxidatively generated DNA breakage.

Controversies related to electromagnetic field exposure on peripheral nerves.

PubMed

Say, Ferhat; Altunkaynak, Berrin Zuhal; Coşkun, Sina; Deniz, Ömür Gülsüm; Yıldız, Çağrı; Altun, Gamze; Kaplan, Arife Ahsen; Kaya, Sefa Ersan; Pişkin, Ahmet

2016-09-01

Electromagnetic field (EMF) is a pervasive environmental presence in modern society. In recent years, mobile phone usage has increased rapidly throughout the world. As mobile phones are generally held close to the head while talking, studies have mostly focused on the central and peripheral nervous system. There is a need for further research to ascertain the real effect of EMF exposure on the nervous system. Several studies have clearly demonstrated that EMF emitted by cell phones could affect the systems of the body as well as functions. However, the adverse effects of EMF emitted by mobile phones on the peripheral nerves are still controversial. Therefore, this review summarizes current knowledge on the possible positive or negative effects of electromagnetic field on peripheral nerves. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Candidate space processing techniques for biomaterials other than preparative electrophoresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, D. E.

1976-01-01

The advantages of performing the partition and countercurrent distribution (CCD) of cells in phase separated aqueous polymer systems under reduced gravity were assessed. Other possible applications considered for the space processing program include the freezing front separation of cells, adsorption of cells at the air-water interface, and the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test for cancer.

Mobilization Characteristics and Strategies to Improve Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Mobilization and Collection in Patients with Chronic Granulomatous Disease and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency

PubMed Central

Panch, Sandhya R.; Yau, Yu Ying; Kang, Elizabeth M.; De Ravin, Suk See; Malech, Harry L.; Leitman, Susan F.

2014-01-01

Background G-CSF mobilized autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) may be collected by apheresis of patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) for use in gene therapy trials. CD34+ cell mobilization has not been well characterized in such patients. Study Design and Methods We retrospectively evaluated CD34+ cell mobilization and collection in 73 consecutive CGD and SCID patients and in 99 age, weight and G-CSF dose-matched healthy allogeneic controls. Results In subjects aged ≤20 years, day 5 pre-apheresis circulating CD34+ counts were significantly lower in CGD and SCID than in controls; mean peak CD34+ cells 58, 64, and 87/uL, respectively, p=0.01. The SCIDs had lower CD34+ collection efficiency than CGDs and controls; mean efficiency 40%, 63% and 57%, respectively, p=0.003. In subjects >20 years, the CGDs had significantly lower CD34+ cell mobilization than controls; mean peak CD34+ cells 41 and 113/uL, respectively, p<0.0001. In a multivariate analysis, lower sedimentation rate (ESR) at mobilization was significantly correlated with better CD34+ cell mobilization, p=0.007. In SCIDs, CD34 collection efficiency was positively correlated with higher red cell indices (MCV: R2=0.77; MCH: R2=0.94; MCHC: R2=0.7, p<0.007) but not hemoglobin. Conclusions CGD and SCID populations are characterized by significantly less robust CD34+ HPC mobilization than healthy controls. The presence of active inflammation/infection as suggested by an elevated ESR may negatively impact mobilization. Among SCIDs, markedly reduced CD34 collection efficiencies were related to iron deficiency, wherein decreased red cell size and density may impair apheresis cell separation mechanics. PMID:25143186

Do all β-blockers attenuate the excess hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization from the bone marrow following trauma/hemorrhagic shock?

PubMed

Pasupuleti, Latha V; Cook, Kristin M; Sifri, Ziad C; Alzate, Walter D; Livingston, David H; Mohr, Alicia M

2014-04-01

Severe injury results in increased mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) from the bone marrow (BM) to sites of injury, which may contribute to persistent BM dysfunction after trauma. Norepinephrine is a known inducer of HPC mobilization, and nonselective β-blockade with propranolol has been shown to decrease mobilization after trauma and hemorrhagic shock (HS). This study will determine the role of selective β-adrenergic receptor blockade in HPC mobilization in a combined model of lung contusion (LC) and HS. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to LC, followed by 45 minutes of HS. Animals were then randomized to receive atenolol (LCHS + β1B), butoxamine (LCHS + β2B), or SR59230A (LCHS + β3B) immediately after resuscitation and daily for 6 days. Control groups were composed of naive animals. BM cellularity, %HPCs in peripheral blood, and plasma granulocyte-colony stimulating factor levels were assessed at 3 hours and 7 days. Systemic plasma-mediated effects were evaluated in vitro by assessment of BM HPC growth. Injured lung tissue was graded histologically by a blinded reader. The use of β2B or β3B following LCHS restored BM cellularity and significantly decreased HPC mobilization. In contrast, β1B had no effect on HPC mobilization. Only β3B significantly reduced plasma G-CSF levels. When evaluating the plasma systemic effects, both β2B and β3B significantly improved BM HPC growth as compared with LCHS alone. The use of β2 and β3 blockade did not affect lung injury scores. Both β2 and β3 blockade can prevent excess HPC mobilization and BM dysfunction when given after trauma and HS, and the effects seem to be mediated systemically, without adverse effects on subsequent healing. Only treatment with β3 blockade reduced plasma G-CSF levels, suggesting different mechanisms for adrenergic-induced G-CSF release and mobilization of HPCs. This study adds to the evidence that therapeutic strategies that reduce the exaggerated sympathetic stimulation after severe injury are beneficial and reduce BM dysfunction.

Photovoltaic: Instructional Manual. The North Dakota High Technology Mobile Laboratory Project.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Auer, Herbert J.

This instructional manual contains 11 learning activity packets for use in a workshop on photovoltaic converters. The lessons cover the following topics: introduction; solar radiation--input for photovoltaic converters; photovoltaic cells; solar electric generator systems; characteristics of silicon cells; photovoltaic module source resistance;…

Influence of charge carrier mobility and morphology on solar cell parameters in devices of mono- and bis-fullerene adducts.

PubMed

Muth, Mathis-Andreas; Mitchell, William; Tierney, Steven; Lada, Thomas A; Xue, Xiang; Richter, Henning; Carrasco-Orozco, Miguel; Thelakkat, Mukundan

2013-12-06

Herein, we analyze charge carrier mobility and morphology of the active blend layer in thin film organic solar cells and correlate them with device parameters. A low band gap donor-acceptor copolymer in combination with phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) or two bis-adduct fullerenes, bis-PCBM and bis-o-quino-dimethane C60 (bis-oQDMC), is investigated. We study the charge transport of polymer:fullerene blends in hole- and electron-only devices using the space-charge limited current method. Lower electron mobilities are observed in both bis-adduct fullerene blends. Hole mobility, however, is decreased only in the blend containing bis-oQDMC. Both bis-adduct fullerene blends show very high open circuit voltage in solar cell devices, but poor photocurrent compared to the standard PCBM blend for an active layer thickness of 200 nm. Therefore, a higher short circuit current is feasible for the polymer:bis-PCBM blend by reducing the active layer thickness in order to compensate for the low electron mobility, which results in a PCE of 4.3%. For the polymer:bis-oQDMC blend, no such improvement is achieved due to an unfavorable morphology in this particular blend system. The results are supported by external quantum efficiency measurements, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and UV/vis spectroscopy. Based on these results, the investigations presented herein give a more scientific basis for the optimization of solar cells.

Characterization of the cell surface properties of drinking water pathogens by microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon and electrophoretic mobility measurements.

PubMed

Popovici, Jonathan; White, Colin P; Hoelle, Jill; Kinkle, Brian K; Lytle, Darren A

2014-06-01

The surface characteristics of microbial cells directly influence their mobility and behavior within aqueous environments. The cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of microbial cells impact a number of interactions and processes including aggregation, adhesion to surfaces, and stability of the cells within the aqueous environments. These cell characteristics are unique to the bacterial species and are a reflection of the large diversity of surface structures, proteins, and appendages of microorganisms. CSH and EPM of bacterial cells contribute substantially to the effectiveness of drinking water treatment to remove them, and therefore an investigation of these properties will be useful in predicting their removal through drinking water treatment processes and transport through drinking water distribution systems. EPM and CSH measurements of six microbiological pathogen or surrogate species suspended in phosphate-buffered water are reported in this work. Two strains of Vibrio cholerae were hydrophobic, while three strains of Escherichia coli were hydrophilic. Bacillus cereus was categorized as moderately hydrophobic. The strains of E. coli had the highest (most negative) EPM. Based on the measurements, E. coli species is predicted to be most difficult to remove from water while V. cholerae will be the easiest to remove. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Going mobile: non-cell-autonomous small RNAs shape the genetic landscape of plants.

PubMed

Pyott, Douglas E; Molnar, Attila

2015-04-01

RNA silencing is a form of genetic regulation, which is conserved across eukaryotes and has wide ranging biological functions. Recently, there has been a growing appreciation for the importance of mobility in RNA silencing pathways, particularly in plants. Moreover, in addition to the importance for mobile RNA silencing in an evolutionary context, the potential for utilizing mobile short silencing RNAs in biotechnological applications is becoming apparent. This review aims to set current knowledge of this topic in a historical context and provides examples to illustrate the importance of mobile RNA silencing in both natural and artificially engineered systems in plants. © 2015 Society for Experimental Biology, Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mobile phone specific electromagnetic fields induce transient DNA damage and nucleotide excision repair in serum-deprived human glioblastoma cells.

PubMed

Al-Serori, Halh; Ferk, Franziska; Kundi, Michael; Bileck, Andrea; Gerner, Christopher; Mišík, Miroslav; Nersesyan, Armen; Waldherr, Monika; Murbach, Manuel; Lah, Tamara T; Herold-Mende, Christel; Collins, Andrew R; Knasmüller, Siegfried

2018-01-01

Some epidemiological studies indicate that the use of mobile phones causes cancer in humans (in particular glioblastomas). It is known that DNA damage plays a key role in malignant transformation; therefore, we investigated the impact of the UMTS signal which is widely used in mobile telecommunications, on DNA stability in ten different human cell lines (six brain derived cell lines, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, liver and buccal tissue derived cells) under conditions relevant for users (SAR 0.25 to 1.00 W/kg). We found no evidence for induction of damage in single cell gel electrophoresis assays when the cells were cultivated with serum. However, clear positive effects were seen in a p53 proficient glioblastoma line (U87) when the cells were grown under serum free conditions, while no effects were found in p53 deficient glioblastoma cells (U251). Further experiments showed that the damage disappears rapidly in U87 and that exposure induced nucleotide excision repair (NER) and does not cause double strand breaks (DSBs). The observation of NER induction is supported by results of a proteome analysis indicating that several proteins involved in NER are up-regulated after exposure to UMTS; additionally, we found limited evidence for the activation of the γ-interferon pathway. The present findings show that the signal causes transient genetic instability in glioma derived cells and activates cellular defense systems.

Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells with granulocyte colony stimulating factors for autologous transplant in hematologic malignancies: a single center experience

PubMed Central

Gabús, Raul; Borelli, Gabriel; Ferrando, Martín; Bódega, Enrique; Citrín, Estela; Jiménez, Constanza Olivera; Álvarez, Ramón

2011-01-01

Background In 2006 the Hematology Service of Hospital Maciel published its experience with peripheral blood progenitor cell harvesting for autologous stem cell transplantation using Filgen JP (Clausen Filgrastim). After mobilization with a mean filgrastim dose of 78 mcg/Kg, 4.7 x 106 CD34+ cells/Kg were obtained by apheresis. Age above 50, multiple myeloma as underlying disease and a malignancy that was not in remission were identified as frequent characteristics among patients showing complex mobilization. Objective The aim of this study was to compare stem cell mobilization using different brands of filgrastim. Methods One hundred and fifty-seven mobilizations performed between 1997 and 2006 were analyzed. This retrospective analysis comparative two groups of patients: those mobilized with different brands of filgrastim (Group A) and those who received Filgen JP (Clausen Filgrastim) as mobilizing agent (Group B). A cluster analysis technique was used to identify four clusters of individuals with different behaviors differentiated by age, total dose of filgrastim required, number of apheresis and harvested CD34+ cells. Results The mean total dose of filgrastim administered was 105 mcg/Kg, the median number of apheresis was 2 procedures and the mean number of harvested stem cells was 4.98 x 106 CD34+ cells/Kg. No significant differences were observed between Groups A and B regarding the number of apheresis, harvested CD34+ cells and number of mobilization failures, however the total dose of filgrastim was significantly lower in Group B. Conclusions Among other factors, the origin of the cytokine used as mobilizing agent is an element to be considered when evaluating CD34+ cell mobilization results. PMID:23049356

Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells with granulocyte colony stimulating factors for autologous transplant in hematologic malignancies: a single center experience.

PubMed

Gabús, Raul; Borelli, Gabriel; Ferrando, Martín; Bódega, Enrique; Citrín, Estela; Jiménez, Constanza Olivera; Alvarez, Ramón

2011-01-01

In 2006 the Hematology Service of Hospital Maciel published its experience with peripheral blood progenitor cell harvesting for autologous stem cell transplantation using Filgen JP (Clausen Filgrastim). After mobilization with a mean filgrastim dose of 78 mcg/Kg, 4.7 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/Kg were obtained by apheresis. Age above 50, multiple myeloma as underlying disease and a malignancy that was not in remission were identified as frequent characteristics among patients showing complex mobilization. The aim of this study was to compare stem cell mobilization using different brands of filgrastim. One hundred and fifty-seven mobilizations performed between 1997 and 2006 were analyzed. This retrospective analysis comparative two groups of patients: those mobilized with different brands of filgrastim (Group A) and those who received Filgen JP (Clausen Filgrastim) as mobilizing agent (Group B). A cluster analysis technique was used to identify four clusters of individuals with different behaviors differentiated by age, total dose of filgrastim required, number of apheresis and harvested CD34(+) cells. The mean total dose of filgrastim administered was 105 mcg/Kg, the median number of apheresis was 2 procedures and the mean number of harvested stem cells was 4.98 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/Kg. No significant differences were observed between Groups A and B regarding the number of apheresis, harvested CD34(+) cells and number of mobilization failures, however the total dose of filgrastim was significantly lower in Group B. Among other factors, the origin of the cytokine used as mobilizing agent is an element to be considered when evaluating CD34(+) cell mobilization results.

Mobilizing stem cells from normal donors: is it possible to improve upon G-CSF?

PubMed

Cashen, A F; Lazarus, H M; Devine, S M

2007-05-01

Currently, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) remains the standard mobilizing agent for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donors, allowing the safe collection of adequate PBSCs from the vast majority of donors. However, G-CSF mobilization can be associated with some significant side effects and requires a multi-day dosing regimen. The other cytokine approved for stem cell mobilization, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), alters graft composition and may reduce the development of graft-versus-host disease, but a significant minority of donors fails to provide sufficient CD34+ cells with GM-CSF and some experience unacceptable toxicity. AMD3100 is a promising new mobilizing agent, which may have several advantages over G-CSF for donor mobilization. As it is a direct antagonist of the interaction between the chemokine stromal-derived factor-1 and its receptor CXCR4, AMD3100 mobilizes PBSCs within hours rather than days. It is also well tolerated, with no significant side effects reported in any of the clinical trials to date. Studies of autologous and allogeneic transplantation of AMD3100 mobilized grafts have demonstrated prompt and stable engraftment. Here, we review the current state of stem cell mobilization in normal donors and discuss novel strategies for donor stem cell mobilization.

An Overview of a Regenerative Fuel Cell Concept for a Mars Surface Mobile Element (Mars Rover)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andersson, T.

2018-04-01

This paper outlines an overview of a regenerative fuel cell concept for a Mars rover. The objectives of the system are to provide electrical and thermal power during the Mars night and to provide electrical power for the operational cycles.

Mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells with highest self-renewal by G-CSF precedes clonogenic cell mobilization peak.

PubMed

Winkler, Ingrid G; Wiercinska, Eliza; Barbier, Valerie; Nowlan, Bianca; Bonig, Halvard; Levesque, Jean-Pierre

2016-04-01

Harvest of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) begins at day 5 of G-CSF administration, when most donors have achieved maximal mobilization. This is based on surrogate markers for HSC mobilization, such as CD34(+) cells and colony-forming activity in blood. However, CD34(+) cells or colony-forming units in culture (CFU-C) are heterogeneous cell populations with hugely divergent long-term repopulation potential on transplantation. HSC behavior is influenced by the vascular bed in the vicinity of which they reside. We hypothesized that G-CSF may mobilize sequentially cells proximal and more distal to bone marrow venous sinuses where HSCs enter the blood. We addressed this question with functional serial transplantation assays using blood and bone marrow after specific time points of G-CSF treatment in mice. We found that in mice, blood collected after only 48 hours of G-CSF administration was as enriched in serially reconstituting HSCs as blood collected at 5 days of G-CSF treatment. Similarly, mobilized Lin(-)CD34(+) cells were relatively enriched in more primitive Lin(-)CD34(+)CD38(-) cells at day 2 of G-CSF treatment compared with later points in half of human donors tested (n = 6). This suggests that in both humans and mice, hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells do not mobilize uniformly according to their maturation stage, with most potent HSCs mobilizing as early as day 2 of G-CSF. Copyright © 2016 ISEH - International Society for Experimental Hematology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An artificial immune system approach with secondary response for misbehavior detection in mobile ad hoc networks.

PubMed

Sarafijanović, Slavisa; Le Boudec, Jean-Yves

2005-09-01

In mobile ad hoc networks, nodes act both as terminals and information relays, and they participate in a common routing protocol, such as dynamic source routing (DSR). The network is vulnerable to routing misbehavior, due to faulty or malicious nodes. Misbehavior detection systems aim at removing this vulnerability. In this paper, we investigate the use of an artificial immune system (AIS) to detect node misbehavior in a mobile ad hoc network using DSR. The system is inspired by the natural immune system (IS) of vertebrates. Our goal is to build a system that, like its natural counterpart, automatically learns, and detects new misbehavior. We describe our solution for the classification task of the AIS; it employs negative selection and clonal selection, the algorithms for learning and adaptation used by the natural IS. We define how we map the natural IS concepts such as self, antigen, and antibody to a mobile ad hoc network and give the resulting algorithm for classifying nodes as misbehaving. We implemented the system in the network simulator Glomosim; we present detection results and discuss how the system parameters affect the performance of primary and secondary response. Further steps will extend the design by using an analogy to the innate system, danger signal, and memory cells.

Analysis of the Genotoxic Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation using Buccal Micronucleus Assay: A Comparative Evaluation.

PubMed

Banerjee, Sumita; Singh, Narendra Nath; Sreedhar, Gadiputi; Mukherjee, Saikat

2016-03-01

Micronucleus (MN) is considered to be a reliable marker for genotoxic damage and it determines the presence and the extent of the chromosomal damage. The MN is formed due to DNA damage or chromosomal disarrangements. The MN has a close association with cancer incidences. In the new era, mobile phones are constantly gaining popularity specifically in the young generation, but this device uses radiofrequency radiation that may have a possible carcinogenic effect. The available reports related to the carcinogenic effect of mobile radiation on oral mucosa are contradictory. To explore the effects of mobile phone radiation on the MN frequency in oral mucosal cells. The subjects were divided into two major groups: low mobile phone users and high mobile phone users. Subjects who used their mobile phone since less than five years and less than three hours a week comprised of the first group and those who used their mobile since more than five years and more than 10 hours a week comprised of the second group. Net surfing and text messaging was not considered in this study. Exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were collected from both the groups and the cells were stained with DNA-specific stain acridine orange. Thousand exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were screened and the cells which were positive for micronuclei were counted. The micronucleus frequency was represented as mean±SD, and unpaired Student t-test was used for intergroup comparisons. The number of micronucleated cells/ 1000 exfoliated buccal mucosal cells was found to be significantly increased in high mobile phone users group than the low mobile phone users group. The use of mobile phone with the associated complaint of warmth around the ear showed a maximum increase in the number of micronucleated cells /1000 exfoliated buccal mucosal cells. Mobile phone radiation even in the permissible range when used for longer duration causes significant genotoxicity. The genotoxicity can be avoided to some extent by the regular use of headphones.

Restricted mobility of specific functional groups reduces anti-cancer drug activity in healthy cells

DOE PAGES

Martins, Murillo L.; Ignazzi, Rosanna; Eckert, Juergen; ...

2016-03-02

We report that the most common cancer treatments currently available are radio- and chemo-therapy. These therapies have, however, drawbacks, such as, the reduction in quality of life and the low efficiency of radiotherapy in cases of multiple metastases. To lessen these effects, we have encapsulated an anti-cancer drug into a biocompatible matrix. In-vitro assays indicate that this bio-nanocomposite is able to interact and cause morphological changes in cancer cells. Meanwhile, no alterations were observed in monocytes and fibroblasts, indicating that this system might carry the drug in living organisms with reduced clearance rate and toxicity. X-rays and neutrons were usedmore » to investigate the carrier structure, as well as to assess the drug mobility within the bio-nanocomposite. In conclusion, from these unique data we show that partial mobility restriction of active groups of the drug molecule suggests why this carrier design is potentially safer to healthy cells.« less

Restricted mobility of specific functional groups reduces anti-cancer drug activity in healthy cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Martins, Murillo L.; Ignazzi, Rosanna; Eckert, Juergen

We report that the most common cancer treatments currently available are radio- and chemo-therapy. These therapies have, however, drawbacks, such as, the reduction in quality of life and the low efficiency of radiotherapy in cases of multiple metastases. To lessen these effects, we have encapsulated an anti-cancer drug into a biocompatible matrix. In-vitro assays indicate that this bio-nanocomposite is able to interact and cause morphological changes in cancer cells. Meanwhile, no alterations were observed in monocytes and fibroblasts, indicating that this system might carry the drug in living organisms with reduced clearance rate and toxicity. X-rays and neutrons were usedmore » to investigate the carrier structure, as well as to assess the drug mobility within the bio-nanocomposite. In conclusion, from these unique data we show that partial mobility restriction of active groups of the drug molecule suggests why this carrier design is potentially safer to healthy cells.« less

Mobile health use in low- and high-income countries: an overview of the peer-reviewed literature

PubMed Central

Bastawrous, Andrew; Armstrong, Matthew J

2013-01-01

The evolution of mobile phone technology has introduced new possibilities to the field of medicine. Combining technological advances with medical expertise has led to the use of mobile phones in all healthcare areas including diagnostics, telemedicine, research, reference libraries and interventions. This article provides an overview of the peer-reviewed literature, published between 1 August 2006 and 1 August 2011, for the application of mobile/cell phones (from basic text-messaging systems to smartphones) in healthcare in both resource-poor and high-income countries. Smartphone use is paving the way in high-income countries, while basic text-messaging systems of standard mobile phones are proving to be of value in low- and middle-income countries. Ranging from infection outbreak reporting, anti-HIV therapy adherence to gait analysis, resuscitation training and radiological imaging, the current uses and future possibilities of mobile phone technology in healthcare are endless. Multiple mobile phone based applications are available for healthcare workers and healthcare consumers; however, the absolute majority lack an evidence base. Therefore, more rigorous research is required to ensure that healthcare is not flooded with non-evidence based applications and is maximized for patient benefit. PMID:23564897

New hybrid frequency reuse method for packet loss minimization in LTE network.

PubMed

Ali, Nora A; El-Dakroury, Mohamed A; El-Soudani, Magdi; ElSayed, Hany M; Daoud, Ramez M; Amer, Hassanein H

2015-11-01

This paper investigates the problem of inter-cell interference (ICI) in Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile systems, which is one of the main problems that causes loss of packets between the base station and the mobile station. Recently, different frequency reuse methods, such as soft and fractional frequency reuse, have been introduced in order to mitigate this type of interference. In this paper, minimizing the packet loss between the base station and the mobile station is the main concern. Soft Frequency Reuse (SFR), which is the most popular frequency reuse method, is examined and the amount of packet loss is measured. In order to reduce packet loss, a new hybrid frequency reuse method is implemented. In this method, each cell occupies the same bandwidth of the SFR, but the total system bandwidth is greater than in SFR. This will provide the new method with a lot of new sub-carriers from the neighboring cells to reduce the ICI which represents a big problem in many applications and causes a lot of packets loss. It is found that the new hybrid frequency reuse method has noticeable improvement in the amount of packet loss compared to SFR method in the different frequency bands. Traffic congestion management in Intelligent Transportation system (ITS) is one of the important applications that is affected by the packet loss due to the large amount of traffic that is exchanged between the base station and the mobile node. Therefore, it is used as a studied application for the proposed frequency reuse method and the improvement in the amount of packet loss reached 49.4% in some frequency bands using the new hybrid frequency reuse method.

Combining G-CSF with a blockade of adhesion strongly improves the reconstitutive capacity of mobilized hematopoietic progenitor cells.

PubMed

Christ, O; Kronenwett, R; Haas, R; Zöller, M

2001-03-01

Mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells is achieved mainly by application of growth factors and, more recently, by blockade of adhesion. In this report, we describe the advantages of a combined treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and anti-VLA4 (CD49d)/anti-CD44 as compared to treatment with the individual components. Mobilization by intravenous injection of anti-CD44, anti-VLA4, or G-CSF was controlled in spleen and bone marrow with regard to frequencies of multipotential colony-forming unit (C-CFU), marrow repopulating ability, long-term reconstitution, recovery of myelopoiesis, and regain of immunocompetence. Mobilization by anti-CD44 had a strong effect on expansion of early progenitor cells in the bone marrow, while the recovery in the spleen was poor. In anti-CD49d-mobilized noncommitted and committed progenitors, progenitor expansion was less pronounced, but settlement in the spleen was quite efficient. Thus, anti-CD44 and anti-CD49d differently influenced mobilization. Accordingly, mobilization and recovery after transfer were improved by combining anti-CD44 with anti-CD49d treatment. Mobilization by G-CSF was most efficient with respect to recovery of progenitor cells in the spleen. However, when transferring G-CSF-mobilized cells, regain of immunocompetence was strongly delayed. This disadvantage could be overridden when progenitor cells were mobilized via blockade of adhesion and when expansion of these mobilized progenitor cells was supported by low-dose G-CSF only during the last 24 hours before transfer. Mobilization of pluripotent progenitor cells via antibody blockade of CD44 or CD49d or via G-CSF relies on distinct mechanisms. Therefore, the reconstitutive capacity of a transplant can be significantly improved by mobilization regimens combining antibody with low-dose G-CSF treatment.

Characterization of the Cell Surface Properties of Drinking Water Pathogens by Microbial Adhesion to Hydrocarbon and Electrophoretic Mobility Measurements

EPA Science Inventory

The surface characteristics of microbial cells directly influence their mobility and behavior within aqueous environments. The cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) and electrophoretic mobility (EPM) of microbial cells impact a number of interactions and processes including aggregati...

Stem cell mobilization with cyclophosphamide overcomes the suppressive effect of lenalidomide therapy on stem cell collection in multiple myeloma.

PubMed

Mark, Tomer; Stern, Jessica; Furst, Jessica R; Jayabalan, David; Zafar, Faiza; LaRow, April; Pearse, Roger N; Harpel, John; Shore, Tsiporah; Schuster, Michael W; Leonard, John P; Christos, Paul J; Coleman, Morton; Niesvizky, Ruben

2008-07-01

A total of 28 treatment-naïve patients with stage II or III multiple myeloma (MM) were treated with the combination of clarithromycin, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (BiRD). Stem cells were collected following granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) or cyclophosphamide (Cy) plus G-CSF mobilization at maximum response. Sufficient stem cells for 2 autologous stem cell transplants were collected from all patients mobilized with Cy plus G-CSF, versus 33% mobilized with G-CSF alone (P < .0001). The duration of prior lenalidomide therapy did not correlate with success of stem cell harvests (P = .91). In conclusion, Cy can be added to G-CSF for stem cell mobilization to successfully overcome the suppressive effect of prior treatment with lenalidomide.

Stem Cell Mobilization with Cyclophosphamide Overcomes the Suppressive Effect of Lenalidomide Therapy on Stem Cell Collection in Multiple Myeloma

PubMed Central

Mark, Tomer; Stern, Jessica; Furst, Jessica R.; Jayabalan, David; Zafar, Faiza; LaRow, April; Pearse, Roger N.; Harpel, John; Shore, Tsiporah; Schuster, Michael W.; Leonard, John P.; Christos, Paul J.; Coleman, Morton; Niesvizky, Ruben

2013-01-01

A total of 28 treatment-naïve patients with stage II or III multiple myeloma (MM) were treated with the combination of clarithromycin, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (BiRD). Stem cells were collected following granulocyte- colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) or cyclophosphamide (Cy) plus G-CSF mobilization at maximum response. Sufficient stem cells for 2 autologous stem cell transplants were collected from all patients mobilized with Cy plus G-CSF, versus 33% mobilized with G-CSF alone (P<.0001). The duration of prior lenalidomide therapy did not correlate with success of stem cell harvests (P = .91). In conclusion, Cy can be added to G-CSF for stem cell mobilization to successfully overcome the suppressive effect of prior treatment with lenalidomide. PMID:18541199

Experience-Sampling Methodology with a Mobile Device in Fibromyalgia

PubMed Central

Diana, Castilla; Cristina, Botella; Azucena, García-Palacios; Luis, Farfallini; Ignacio, Miralles

2012-01-01

This work describes the usability studies conducted in the development of an experience-sampling methodology (ESM) system running in a mobile device. The goal of the system is to improve the accuracy and ecology in gathering daily self-report data in individuals suffering a chronic pain condition, fibromyalgia. The usability studies showed that the developed software to conduct ESM with mobile devices (smartphones, cell phones) can be successfully used by individuals with fibromyalgia of different ages and with low level of expertise in the use of information and communication technologies. 100% of users completed the tasks successfully, although some have completely illiterate. Also there seems to be a clear difference in the way of interaction obtained in the two studies carried out. PMID:23304132

Mass and stiffness estimation using mobile devices for structural health monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le, Viet; Yu, Tzuyang

2015-04-01

In the structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure, dynamic methods using mass, damping, and stiffness for characterizing structural health have been a traditional and widely used approach. Changes in these system parameters over time indicate the progress of structural degradation or deterioration. In these methods, capability of predicting system parameters is essential to their success. In this paper, research work on the development of a dynamic SHM method based on perturbation analysis is reported. The concept is to use externally applied mass to perturb an unknown system and measure the natural frequency of the system. Derived theoretical expressions for mass and stiffness prediction are experimentally verified by a building model. Dynamic responses of the building model perturbed by various masses in free vibration were experimentally measured by a mobile device (cell phone) to extract the natural frequency of the building model. Single-degreeof- freedom (SDOF) modeling approach was adopted for the sake of using a cell phone. From the experimental result, it is shown that the percentage error of predicted mass increases when the mass ratio increases, while the percentage error of predicted stiffness decreases when the mass ratio increases. This work also demonstrated the potential use of mobile devices in the health monitoring of civil infrastructure.

Towards monitoring real-time cellular response using an integrated microfluidics-MALDI/nESI-ion mobility-mass spectrometry platform

PubMed Central

Enders, Jeffrey R.; Marasco, Christina C.; Kole, Ayeeshik; Nguyen, Bao; Sundarapandian, Sevugarajan; Seale, Kevin T.; Wikswo, John P.; McLean, John A.

2014-01-01

The combination of microfluidic cell trapping devices with ion mobility-mass spectrometry offers the potential for elucidating in real time the dynamic responses of small populations of cells to paracrine signals, changes in metabolite levels, and delivery of drugs and toxins. Preliminary experiments examining peptides in methanol and recording the interactions of yeast and Jurkat cells with their superfusate have identified instrumental setup and control parameters and on-line desalting procedures. Numerous initial experiments demonstrate and validate this new instrumental platform. Future outlooks and potential applications are addressed, specifically how this instrumentation may be used for fully automated systems biology studies of the significantly interdependent, dynamic internal workings of cellular metabolic and signaling pathways. PMID:21073240

A tidal wave of signals: calcium and ROS at the forefront of rapid systemic signaling.

PubMed

Gilroy, Simon; Suzuki, Nobuhiro; Miller, Gad; Choi, Won-Gyu; Toyota, Masatsugu; Devireddy, Amith R; Mittler, Ron

2014-10-01

Systemic signaling pathways enable multicellular organisms to prepare all of their tissues and cells to an upcoming challenge that may initially only be sensed by a few local cells. They are activated in plants in response to different stimuli including mechanical injury, pathogen infection, and abiotic stresses. Key to the mobilization of systemic signals in higher plants are cell-to-cell communication events that have thus far been mostly unstudied. The recent identification of systemically propagating calcium (Ca(2+)) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) waves in plants has unraveled a new and exciting cell-to-cell communication pathway that, together with electric signals, could provide a working model demonstrating how plant cells transmit long-distance signals via cell-to-cell communication mechanisms. Here, we summarize recent findings on the ROS and Ca(2+) waves and outline a possible model for their integration. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Breaking the rules? X-ray examination of hematopoietic stem cell grafts at international airports.

PubMed

Petzer, Andreas L; Speth, Hans-Georg; Hoflehner, Elisabeth; Clausen, Johannes; Nachbaur, David; Gastl, Günther; Gunsilius, Eberhard

2002-06-15

Hematopoietic stem cell grafts from unrelated donors are commonly transported by aircraft. They must not be subjected to x-rays during security checks, which may cause inconvenient discussions between the courier and the airport security staff. We exposed hematopoietic stem cells from mobilized peripheral blood to a widely used x-ray hand-luggage control system. Cell viability as well as growth in vitro of mature progenitor cells (colony-forming cells), primitive progenitor cells (long-term culture-initiating cells), and lymphocytes were not altered even after 10 passages through the hand-luggage control system. Thus, repeated exposure to the low radiation dose of hand-luggage control systems (1.5 +/- 0.6 microSv per exposure) seems to be harmless for hematopoietic stem cells, which should simplify the international transport of stem cell grafts.

Estradiol attenuates EGF-induced rapid uPAR mobilization and cell migration via the G-protein-coupled receptor 30 in ovarian cancer cells.

PubMed

Henic, Emir; Noskova, Vera; Høyer-Hansen, Gunilla; Hansson, Stefan; Casslén, Bertil

2009-02-01

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates proliferation and migration in ovarian cancer cells, and high tumor expression of the EGF system correlates with poor prognosis. Epidermal growth factor upregulates urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) on the cell surface via 3 distinct mechanisms: rapid mobilization of uPAR from detergent-resistant domains, increased mRNA, and decreased degradation. G-protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) is a newly identified membrane estrogen receptor (ER).The objective of this study was to explore the effects of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) on uPAR expression and cell migration in ovarian cancer cells and further to identify the ER involved.We used 7 ovarian cancer cell lines, cell migration assay, cellular binding of (125)I-uPA, cellular degradation of (125)I-uPA/PAI-1 complex, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for uPAR, solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for ERalpha, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Estradiol attenuates the stimulatory effect of EGF on cell migration and uPAR expression. Specifically, E(2) reduces the very rapid increase of detergent extractable uPAR, which occurs within minutes of EGF stimulation and probably represents mobilization of uPAR from detergent-resistant domains such as lipid rafts. Estradiol influenced neither the amount of uPAR mRNA nor the rate of uPAR degradation or solubilization. The nuclear ER antagonists ICI 182780 and tamoxifen, which are GPR30 agonists, as well as the specifically constructed GPR30 agonist G1, mimicked the effect of E(2) on uPAR expression and cell migration. OVCAR-3 cells express mRNA for GPR30.Estradiol attenuates EGF-induced mobilization of ligated uPAR from detergent-resistant domains and subsequent migration in ovarian cancer cells. The response to various ER ligands indicates that this effect is mediated via the membrane ER GPR30.

Development and characterization of a mobile photoacoustic sensor for on-line soot emission monitoring in diesel exhaust gas.

PubMed

Beck, H A; Niessner, R; Haisch, C

2003-04-01

Upcoming regulations for vehicle exhaust emission demand substantial reduction of particle emission in diesel exhaust. To achieve these emission levels, the car manufacturing industry is developing new combustion concepts and exhaust after-treatment techniques such as the use of catalysts and particle filters. Many of the state-of-the-art analytical instruments do not meet the required detection limits, in combination with a high temporal resolution necessary for engine optimization. This paper reports a new detection system and the first results of its application to on-line diesel exhaust soot measurements on a engine test bench (MAN diesel engine facility Nürnberg, Germany). The instrument is based on differential photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy of black carbon aerosol. It contains two identical PA cells, one for the measurement of the aerosol particles and one which analyses the particle-free gas. Thus, a potential cross-sensitivity to gaseous absorbers in the exhaust gas can be excluded. The PA cells were characterized in a laboratory set-up, with water vapor as reference gas and artificial soot generated by a spark discharge generator. The detection limit was found to be 2 microg m(-3) BC (for diesel soot) with a sampling rate of 3 Hz. The temporal response of the system was found to be in the order of 1 s. After full characterization of the cells, the system was transferred into a mobile 19"-rack. Characterization of the mobile sensor system under real-world conditions was performed during several measurement campaigns at an engine test bench for heavy-duty diesel engines. Results for the limit of detection, the time resolution, accuracy, repeatability, and robustness of the sensor system are very promising with regards to a routine application of the system in engine development.

Single cell visualization of transcription kinetics variance of highly mobile identical genes using 3D nanoimaging

PubMed Central

Annibale, Paolo; Gratton, Enrico

2015-01-01

Multi-cell biochemical assays and single cell fluorescence measurements revealed that the elongation rate of Polymerase II (PolII) in eukaryotes varies largely across different cell types and genes. However, there is not yet a consensus whether intrinsic factors such as the position, local mobility or the engagement by an active molecular mechanism of a genetic locus could be the determinants of the observed heterogeneity. Here by employing high-speed 3D fluorescence nanoimaging techniques we resolve and track at the single cell level multiple, distinct regions of mRNA synthesis within the model system of a large transgene array. We demonstrate that these regions are active transcription sites that release mRNA molecules in the nucleoplasm. Using fluctuation spectroscopy and the phasor analysis approach we were able to extract the local PolII elongation rate at each site as a function of time. We measured a four-fold variation in the average elongation between identical copies of the same gene measured simultaneously within the same cell, demonstrating a correlation between local transcription kinetics and the movement of the transcription site. Together these observations demonstrate that local factors, such as chromatin local mobility and the microenvironment of the transcription site, are an important source of transcription kinetics variability. PMID:25788248

Exploring the read-write genome: mobile DNA and mammalian adaptation.

PubMed

Shapiro, James A

2017-02-01

The read-write genome idea predicts that mobile DNA elements will act in evolution to generate adaptive changes in organismal DNA. This prediction was examined in the context of mammalian adaptations involving regulatory non-coding RNAs, viviparous reproduction, early embryonic and stem cell development, the nervous system, and innate immunity. The evidence shows that mobile elements have played specific and sometimes major roles in mammalian adaptive evolution by generating regulatory sites in the DNA and providing interaction motifs in non-coding RNA. Endogenous retroviruses and retrotransposons have been the predominant mobile elements in mammalian adaptive evolution, with the notable exception of bats, where DNA transposons are the major agents of RW genome inscriptions. A few examples of independent but convergent exaptation of mobile DNA elements for similar regulatory rewiring functions are noted.

Effects of Telomerase and Telomere Length on Epidermal Stem Cell Behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores, Ignacio; Cayuela, María L.; Blasco, María A.

2005-08-01

A key process in organ homeostasis is the mobilization of stem cells out of their niches. We show through analysis of mouse models that telomere length, as well as the catalytic component of telomerase, Tert, are critical determinants in the mobilization of epidermal stem cells. Telomere shortening inhibited mobilization of stem cells out of their niche, impaired hair growth, and resulted in suppression of stem cell proliferative capacity in vitro. In contrast, Tert overexpression in the absence of changes in telomere length promoted stem cell mobilization, hair growth, and stem cell proliferation in vitro. The effects of telomeres and telomerase on stem cell biology anticipate their role in cancer and aging.

Toxin-Antitoxin Systems in the Mobile Genome of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

PubMed Central

Bustamante, Paula; Tello, Mario; Orellana, Omar

2014-01-01

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are genetic modules composed of a pair of genes encoding a stable toxin and an unstable antitoxin that inhibits toxin activity. They are widespread among plasmids and chromosomes of bacteria and archaea. TA systems are known to be involved in the stabilization of plasmids but there is no consensus about the function of chromosomal TA systems. To shed light on the role of chromosomally encoded TA systems we analyzed the distribution and functionality of type II TA systems in the chromosome of two strains from Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (ATCC 23270 and 53993), a Gram-negative, acidophilic, environmental bacterium that participates in the bioleaching of minerals. As in other environmental microorganisms, A. ferrooxidans has a high content of TA systems (28-29) and in twenty of them the toxin is a putative ribonuclease. According to the genetic context, some of these systems are encoded near or within mobile genetic elements. Although most TA systems are shared by both strains, four of them, which are encoded in the active mobile element ICEAfe1, are exclusive to the type strain ATCC 23270. We demostrated that two TA systems from ICEAfe1 are functional in E. coli cells, since the toxins inhibit growth and the antitoxins counteract the effect of their cognate toxins. All the toxins from ICEAfe1, including a novel toxin, are RNases with different ion requirements. The data indicate that some of the chromosomally encoded TA systems are actually part of the A. ferrooxidans mobile genome and we propose that could be involved in the maintenance of these integrated mobile genetic elements. PMID:25384039

HeartSaver: a mobile cardiac monitoring system for auto-detection of atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and atrio-ventricular block.

PubMed

Sankari, Ziad; Adeli, Hojjat

2011-04-01

A mobile medical device, dubbed HeartSaver, is developed for real-time monitoring of a patient's electrocardiogram (ECG) and automatic detection of several cardiac pathologies, including atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction and atrio-ventricular block. HeartSaver is based on adroit integration of four different modern technologies: electronics, wireless communication, computer, and information technologies in the service of medicine. The physical device consists of four modules: sensor and ECG processing unit, a microcontroller, a link between the microcontroller and the cell phone, and mobile software associated with the system. HeartSaver includes automated cardiac pathology detection algorithms. These algorithms are simple enough to be implemented on a low-cost, limited-power microcontroller but powerful enough to detect the relevant cardiac pathologies. When an abnormality is detected, the microcontroller sends a signal to a cell phone. This operation triggers an application software on the cell phone that sends a text message transmitting information about patient's physiological condition and location promptly to a physician or a guardian. HeartSaver can be used by millions of cardiac patients with the potential to transform the cardiac diagnosis, care, and treatment and save thousands of lives. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel role for bioactive lipids in stem cell mobilization during cardiac ischemia

PubMed Central

Nagareddy, Prabhakara R.; Asfour, Ahmed; Klyachkin, Yuri M.; Abdel-Latif, Ahmed

2014-01-01

Despite major advances in pharmacological and reperfusion therapies, regenerating and/or replacing the infarcted myocardial tissue is an enormous challenge and therefore ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Adult bone marrow is home for a variety of hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic stem cells including a small subset of primitive cells that carry a promising regenerative potential. It is now well established that myocardial ischemia (MI) induces mobilization of bone marrow-derived cells including differentiated lineage as well as undifferentiated stem cells. While the numbers of stem cells carrying pluripotent features among the mobilized stem cells is small, their regenerative capacity appears immense. Therapies aimed at selective mobilization of these pluripotent stem cells during myocardial ischemia have a promising potential to regenerate the injured myocardium. Emerging evidence suggest that bioactive sphingolipids such as sphingosine-1 phosphate and ceramide-1 phosphate hold a great promise in selective mobilization of pluripotent stem cells to the infarcted region during MI. This review highlights the recent advances in the mechanisms of stem cell mobilization and provides newer evidence in support of bioactive lipids as potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. PMID:24318213

Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Mobilization with “Just-in-Time” Plerixafor Approach is a Cost Effective Alternative to Routine Plerixafor Use

PubMed Central

Veltri, Lauren; Cumpston, Aaron; Shillingburg, Alexandra; Wen, Sijin; Luo, Jin; Leadmon, Sonia; Watkins, Kathy; Craig, Michael; Hamadani, Mehdi; Kanate, Abraham S.

2015-01-01

Hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) mobilization with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor results in superior CD34+ cell yield, when compared to mobilization with G-CSF alone in patients with myeloma and lymphoma. However, plerixafor-based approaches are associated with high costs. To circumvent this, several institutions use a so-called “just-in-time” plerixafor (JIT-P) approach, where plerixafor is only administered to patients likely to fail mobilization with G-CSF alone. Whether such a JIT-P approach is cost effective has not been confirmed to date. We present here, results of 136 patients with myeloma or lymphoma who underwent mobilization with two different approaches of plerixafor utilization. Between Jan 2010-Oct 2012 (n=76) patients uniformly received mobilization with G-CSF and plerixafor (routine G+P cohort). To reduce mobilization costs, between Nov 2012-Jun 2014 (n=60) patients were mobilized with JIT-P where plerixafor was only administered to patients likely to fail mobilization with G-CSF alone. Patients in routine G+P group had a higher median peak peripheral blood CD34+ cell count (62 vs. 29 cells/μL, p<0.001) and a higher median day 1 CD34+ cell yield (2.9 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg vs. 2.1 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, p=0.001). The median total CD34+ cell collection was also higher in routine G+P group (5.8 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg vs. 4.5 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg, p=0.007). In the JIT-P group 40% (n=24) completed adequate HPC collection without plerixafor. There was no difference in mobilization failure rates. The mean number of plerixafor doses utilized in JIT-P was lower (1.3 vs. 2.1, p=0.0002). The mean estimated cost in the routine G+P group was higher than that in the JIT-P group (USD 27,513 vs. USD 23,597, p=0.01). Our analysis demonstrates that mobilization with a JIT-P approach is a safe, effective and cost efficient strategy for HPC collection. PMID:26475754

Cell Phone-Based System (Chaak) for Surveillance of Immatures of Dengue Virus Mosquito Vectors

PubMed Central

LOZANO–FUENTES, SAUL; WEDYAN, FADI; HERNANDEZ–GARCIA, EDGAR; SADHU, DEVADATTA; GHOSH, SUDIPTO; BIEMAN, JAMES M.; TEP-CHEL, DIANA; GARCÍA–REJÓN, JULIÁN E.; EISEN, LARS

2014-01-01

Capture of surveillance data on mobile devices and rapid transfer of such data from these devices into an electronic database or data management and decision support systems promote timely data analyses and public health response during disease outbreaks. Mobile data capture is used increasingly for malaria surveillance and holds great promise for surveillance of other neglected tropical diseases. We focused on mosquito-borne dengue, with the primary aims of: 1) developing and field-testing a cell phone-based system (called Chaak) for capture of data relating to the surveillance of the mosquito immature stages, and 2) assessing, in the dengue endemic setting of Mérida, México, the cost-effectiveness of this new technology versus paper-based data collection. Chaak includes a desktop component, where a manager selects premises to be surveyed for mosquito immatures, and a cell phone component, where the surveyor receives the assigned tasks and captures the data. Data collected on the cell phone can be transferred to a central database through different modes of transmission, including near-real time where data are transferred immediately (e.g., over the Internet) or by first storing data on the cell phone for future transmission. Spatial data are handled in a novel, semantically driven, geographic information system. Compared with a pen-and-paper-based method, use of Chaak improved the accuracy and increased the speed of data transcription into an electronic database. The cost-effectiveness of using the Chaak system will depend largely on the up-front cost of purchasing cell phones and the recurring cost of data transfer over a cellular network. PMID:23926788

Critical role of mast cells and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the induction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells by marijuana cannabidiol in vivo

PubMed Central

Hegde, Venkatesh L.; Singh, Udai P.; Nagarkatti, Prakash S.; Nagarkatti, Mitzi

2015-01-01

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural non-psychotropic cannabinoid from marijuana (Cannabis sativa) with anti-epileptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Effect of CBD on naïve immune system is not precisely understood. In this study, we observed that administering CBD into naïve mice triggers robust induction of CD11b+Gr-1+ MDSC in the peritoneum, which expressed functional Arg1, and potently suppressed T cell proliferation ex vivo. Further, CBD-MDSC suppressed LPS-induced acute inflammatory response upon adoptive transfer in vivo. CBD-induced suppressor cells were comprised of CD11b+Ly6-G+Ly6-C+ granulocytic and CD11b+Ly6-G−Ly6-C+ monocytic subtypes, with monocytic MDSC exhibiting higher T cell suppressive function. Induction of MDSC by CBD was markedly attenuated in Kit-mutant (KitW/W-v) mast cell-deficient mice. MDSC response was reconstituted upon transfer of WT bone marrow-derived mast cells in KitW/W-v mice suggesting the key role of cKit (CD117) as well as mast cells. Moreover, mast cell activator compound 48/80 induced significant levels of MDSC in vivo. CBD administration in mice induced G-CSF, CXCL1 and M-CSF, but not GM-CSF. G-CSF was found to play a key role in MDSC mobilization inasmuch as neutralizing G-CSF caused a significant decrease in MDSC. Lastly, CBD enhanced the transcriptional activity of PPARγ in luciferase reporter assay, and PPARγ selective antagonist completely inhibited MDSC induction in vivo suggesting its critical role. Together, the results suggest that CBD may induce activation of PPARγ in mast cells leading to secretion of G-CSF and consequent MDSC mobilization. CBD being a major component of Cannabis, our study indicates that marijuana may modulate or dysregulate the immune system by mobilizing MDSC. PMID:25917103

Ground Vehicle Power and Mobility Overview - Germany Visit

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-10

the current and future force Survivability Robotics – Intelligent Systems Vehicle Electronics & Architecture Fuel, Water, Bridging ...Test Cell • Engine Generator Test Lab • Full Vehicle Environmental Test Cell • Hybrid Electric Reconfigurable Moveable Integration Testbed (HERMIT...Converter Conducted competitive runoff evaluations on Bridging Boat engine candidates Completed independent durability assessment of OEM

Identification and quantitation of morphological cell types in electrophoretically separated human embryonic kidney cell cultures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, K. B.; Kunze, M. E.; Todd, P. W.

1985-01-01

Four major cell types were identified by phase microscopy in early passage human embryonic kidney cell cultures. They are small and large epithelioid, domed, and fenestrated cells. Fibroblasts are also present in some explants. The percent of each cell type changes with passage number as any given culture grows. As a general rule, the fraction of small epithelioid cells increases, while the fraction of fenestrated cells, always small, decreases further. When fibroblasts are present, they always increase in percentage of the total cell population. Electrophoretic separation of early passage cells showed that the domed cells have the highest electrophoretic mobility, fibroblasts have an intermediate high mobility, small epithelioid cells have a low mobility, broadly distributed, and fenestrated cells have the lowest mobility. All cell types were broadly distributed among electrophoretic subfractions, which were never pure but only enriched with respect to a given cell type.

Biosimilar G-CSF Based Mobilization of Peripheral Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells for Autologous and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

PubMed Central

Schmitt, Michael; Publicover, Amy; Orchard, Kim H; Görlach, Matthias; Wang, Lei; Schmitt, Anita; Mani, Jiju; Tsirigotis, Panagiotis; Kuriakose, Reeba; Nagler, Arnon

2014-01-01

The use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) biosimilars for peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell (PBSC) mobilization has stimulated an ongoing debate regarding their efficacy and safety. However, the use of biosimilar G-CSF was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for all the registered indications of the originator G-CSF (Neupogen®) including mobilization of stem cells. Here, we performed a comprehensive review of published reports on the use of biosimilar G-CSF covering patients with hematological malignancies as well as healthy donors that underwent stem cell mobilization at multiple centers using site-specific non-randomized regimens with a biosimilar G-CSF in the autologous and allogeneic setting. A total of 904 patients mostly with hematological malignancies as well as healthy donors underwent successful autologous or allogeneic stem cell mobilization, respectively, using a biosimilar G-CSF (520 with Ratiograstim®/Tevagrastim, 384 with Zarzio®). The indication for stem cell mobilization in hematology patients included 326 patients with multiple myeloma, 273 with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), 79 with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), and other disease. 156 sibling or volunteer unrelated donors were mobilized using biosimilar G-CSF. Mobilization resulted in good mobilization of CD34+ stem cells with side effects similar to originator G-CSF. Post transplantation engraftment did not significantly differ from results previously documented with the originator G-CSF. The side effects experienced by the patients or donors mobilized by biosimilar G-CSF were minimal and were comparable to those of originator G-CSF. In summary, the efficacy of biosimilar G-CSFs in terms of PBSC yield as well as their toxicity profile are equivalent to historical data with the reference G-CSF. PMID:24505236

Biosimilar G-CSF based mobilization of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells for autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

PubMed

Schmitt, Michael; Publicover, Amy; Orchard, Kim H; Görlach, Matthias; Wang, Lei; Schmitt, Anita; Mani, Jiju; Tsirigotis, Panagiotis; Kuriakose, Reeba; Nagler, Arnon

2014-01-01

The use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) biosimilars for peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell (PBSC) mobilization has stimulated an ongoing debate regarding their efficacy and safety. However, the use of biosimilar G-CSF was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for all the registered indications of the originator G-CSF (Neupogen (®) ) including mobilization of stem cells. Here, we performed a comprehensive review of published reports on the use of biosimilar G-CSF covering patients with hematological malignancies as well as healthy donors that underwent stem cell mobilization at multiple centers using site-specific non-randomized regimens with a biosimilar G-CSF in the autologous and allogeneic setting. A total of 904 patients mostly with hematological malignancies as well as healthy donors underwent successful autologous or allogeneic stem cell mobilization, respectively, using a biosimilar G-CSF (520 with Ratiograstim®/Tevagrastim, 384 with Zarzio®). The indication for stem cell mobilization in hematology patients included 326 patients with multiple myeloma, 273 with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), 79 with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), and other disease. 156 sibling or volunteer unrelated donors were mobilized using biosimilar G-CSF. Mobilization resulted in good mobilization of CD34+ stem cells with side effects similar to originator G-CSF. Post transplantation engraftment did not significantly differ from results previously documented with the originator G-CSF. The side effects experienced by the patients or donors mobilized by biosimilar G-CSF were minimal and were comparable to those of originator G-CSF. In summary, the efficacy of biosimilar G-CSFs in terms of PBSC yield as well as their toxicity profile are equivalent to historical data with the reference G-CSF.

Evolutionary Genomics of Defense Systems in Archaea and Bacteria*

PubMed Central

Koonin, Eugene V.; Makarova, Kira S.; Wolf, Yuri I.

2018-01-01

Evolution of bacteria and archaea involves an incessant arms race against an enormous diversity of genetic parasites. Accordingly, a substantial fraction of the genes in most bacteria and archaea are dedicated to antiparasite defense. The functions of these defense systems follow several distinct strategies, including innate immunity; adaptive immunity; and dormancy induction, or programmed cell death. Recent comparative genomic studies taking advantage of the expanding database of microbial genomes and metagenomes, combined with direct experiments, resulted in the discovery of several previously unknown defense systems, including innate immunity centered on Argonaute proteins, bacteriophage exclusion, and new types of CRISPR-Cas systems of adaptive immunity. Some general principles of function and evolution of defense systems are starting to crystallize, in particular, extensive gain and loss of defense genes during the evolution of prokaryotes; formation of genomic defense islands; evolutionary connections between mobile genetic elements and defense, whereby genes of mobile elements are repeatedly recruited for defense functions; the partially selfish and addictive behavior of the defense systems; and coupling between immunity and dormancy induction/programmed cell death. PMID:28657885

Countercurrent distribution of biological cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, D. E.

1979-01-01

A neutral polymer phase system consisting of 7.5 percent dextran 40/4.5 percent PEG 6, 0.11 M Na phosphate, 5 percent fetal bovine serum (FBS), pH 7.5, was developed which has a high phase droplet electrophoretic mobility and retains cell viability over many hours. In this and related systems, the drop mobility was a linear function of drop size, at least in the range 4-30 micron diameter. Applications of and electric field of 4.5 v/cm to a system containing 10 percent v/v bottom phase cleared the system more than two orders of magnitude faster than in the absence of the field. At higher bottom phase concentrations a secondary phenomenon intervened in the field driven separations which resulted in an increase in turbidity after clearing had commenced. The increase was associated with a dilution of the phase system in the chamber. The effect depended on the presence of the electric field. It may be due to electroosmotic flow of buffer through the Amicon membranes into the sample chamber and flow of phase system out into the rinse stream. Strategies to eliminate this problem are proposed.

Effectiveness and cost analysis of "just-in-time" salvage plerixafor administration in autologous transplant patients with poor stem cell mobilization kinetics.

PubMed

Li, Jie; Hamilton, Ellie; Vaughn, Louette; Graiser, Michael; Renfroe, Heather; Lechowicz, Mary Jo; Langston, Amelia; Prichard, Jefferson Mark; Anderson, Darlene; Gleason, Charise; Lonial, Sagar; Flowers, Christopher R; Kaufman, Jonathan L; Waller, Edmund K

2011-10-01

Plerixafor is a recently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved CXCR4 antagonist, which is combined with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to facilitate stem cell mobilization of lymphoma and myeloma patients. To evaluate the effectiveness and the related costs of a "just-in-time" strategy of plerixafor administration, we performed a retrospective cohort study comparing 148 consecutive lymphoma and myeloma patients in whom mobilization was attempted during 2008 before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of plerixafor with 188 consecutive patients mobilized during 2009 after FDA approval. Plerixafor was administered to 64 of 188 patients considered to be at risk for mobilization failure due to either their medical history ("high risk," n = 23) or the occurrence of peripheral blood CD34+ count of fewer than 15 × 10(6) cells/L with a white blood cell count of greater than 10 × 10(9) cells/L after at least 5 days of G-CSF administration (just-in-time, n = 41). The success rates of collecting a minimum transplant CD34+ cell dose (≥2 × 10(6) cells/kg) or target cell dose (≥5 × 10(6) lymphoma or ≥10 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg myeloma) in the just-in-time patients compared favorably with the 36 poor mobilizers collected with G-CSF alone: 93% versus 72% and 42% versus 22%, respectively. The use of plerixafor in selected high-risk patients and poor mobilizers did not increase the total charges associated with stem cell collection when compared with poor mobilizers treated with G-CSF alone. The targeted use of plerixafor increased the overall success rate of mobilizing a minimum number of CD34+ cells from 93% to 98% in patients with hematologic malignancies scheduled for autotransplant and increased the overall charges associated with stem cell collection in all patients by an average of 17%. © 2011 American Association of Blood Banks.

An Android based location service using GSMCellID and GPS to obtain a graphical guide to the nearest cash machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobsen, Jurma; Edlich, Stefan

2009-02-01

There is a broad range of potential useful mobile location-based applications. One crucial point seems to be to make them available to the public at large. This case illuminates the abilities of Android - the operating system for mobile devices - to fulfill this demand in the mashup way by use of some special geocoding web services and one integrated web service for getting the nearest cash machines data. It shows an exemplary approach for building mobile location-based mashups for everyone: 1. As a basis for reaching as many people as possible the open source Android OS is assumed to spread widely. 2. Everyone also means that the handset has not to be an expensive GPS device. This is realized by re-utilization of the existing GSM infrastructure with the Cell of Origin (COO) method which makes a lookup of the CellID in one of the growing web available CellID databases. Some of these databases are still undocumented and not yet published. Furthermore the Google Maps API for Mobile (GMM) and the open source counterpart OpenCellID are used. The user's current position localization via lookup of the closest cell to which the handset is currently connected to (COO) is not as precise as GPS, but appears to be sufficient for lots of applications. For this reason the GPS user is the most pleased one - for this user the system is fully automated. In contrary there could be some users who doesn't own a GPS cellular. This user should refine his/her location by one click on the map inside of the determined circular region. The users are then shown and guided by a path to the nearest cash machine by integrating Google Maps API with an overlay. Additionally, the GPS user can keep track of him- or herself by getting a frequently updated view via constantly requested precise GPS data for his or her position.

Effect of emodin on mobility signal transduction system of gallbladder smooth muscle in Guinea pig with cholelithiasis.

PubMed

Fang, Bang-Jiang; Shen, Jun-Yi; Zhang, Hua; Zhou, Shuang; Lyu, Chuan-Zhu; Xie, Yi-Qiang

2016-10-01

To study the effect of emodin on protein and gene expressions of the massagers in mobility signal transduction system of cholecyst smooth muscle cells in guinea pig with cholesterol calculus. The guinea pigs were randomly divided into 4 groups, such as control group, gall-stone (GS) group, emodin group and ursodeoxycholic acid (UA) group. Cholesterol calculus models were induced in guinea pigs of GS, emodin and UA groups by lithogenic diet, while emodin or UA were given to the corresponding group for 7 weeks. The histomorphological and ultrastructure change of gallbladder were detected by microscope and electron microscope, the content of plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) and [Ca 2+ ] i were analyzed successively by radioimmunoassay and flow cytometry. The protein and mRNA of Gsα, Giα and Cap in cholecyst cells were determined by western blotting and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Emodin or UA can relieve pathogenic changes in epithelial cells and muscle cells in gallbladder of guinea pig with cholesterol calculus by microscope and transmission electron microscope. In the cholecyst cells of GS group, CCK levels in plasma and [Ca 2+ ] i decreased, the protein and mRNA of GS were down-regulated, the protein and mRNA of Gi and Cap were up-regulated. Emodin significantly decreased the formative rate of gallstone, improved the pathogenic change in epithelial cells and muscle cells, increased CCK levels in plasma and [Ca 2+ ] i in cholecyst cells, enhanced the protein and mRNA of Gs in cholecyst cells, reduced the protein and mRNA of Gi and Cap in cholecyst cells in guinea pig with cholesterol calculus. The dysfunction of gallbladder contraction gives rise to the disorders of mobility signal transduction system in cholecyst smooth muscle cells, including low content of plasma CCK and [Ca 2+ ] i in cholecyst cells, abnormal protein and mRNA of Gs, Gi and Cap. Emodin can enhance the contractibility of gallbladder and alleviate cholestasis by regulating plasma CCK levels, [Ca 2+ ] i in cholecyst cells and the protein and mRNA of Gs, Gi and Cap. Copyright © 2016 Hainan Medical University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the Genotoxic Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation using Buccal Micronucleus Assay: A Comparative Evaluation

PubMed Central

Singh, Narendra Nath; Sreedhar, Gadiputi; Mukherjee, Saikat

2016-01-01

Introduction Micronucleus (MN) is considered to be a reliable marker for genotoxic damage and it determines the presence and the extent of the chromosomal damage. The MN is formed due to DNA damage or chromosomal disarrangements. The MN has a close association with cancer incidences. In the new era, mobile phones are constantly gaining popularity specifically in the young generation, but this device uses radiofrequency radiation that may have a possible carcinogenic effect. The available reports related to the carcinogenic effect of mobile radiation on oral mucosa are contradictory. Aim To explore the effects of mobile phone radiation on the MN frequency in oral mucosal cells. Materials and Methods The subjects were divided into two major groups: low mobile phone users and high mobile phone users. Subjects who used their mobile phone since less than five years and less than three hours a week comprised of the first group and those who used their mobile since more than five years and more than 10 hours a week comprised of the second group. Net surfing and text messaging was not considered in this study. Exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were collected from both the groups and the cells were stained with DNA-specific stain acridine orange. Thousand exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were screened and the cells which were positive for micronuclei were counted. The micronucleus frequency was represented as mean±SD, and unpaired Student t-test was used for intergroup comparisons. Results The number of micronucleated cells/ 1000 exfoliated buccal mucosal cells was found to be significantly increased in high mobile phone users group than the low mobile phone users group. The use of mobile phone with the associated complaint of warmth around the ear showed a maximum increase in the number of micronucleated cells /1000 exfoliated buccal mucosal cells. Conclusion Mobile phone radiation even in the permissible range when used for longer duration causes significant genotoxicity. The genotoxicity can be avoided to some extent by the regular use of headphones. PMID:27135009

Study on the spectral efficiency of SFH-GMSK in land mobile telephone communication by direct simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bao, H.; Kwatra, S. C.; Kim, Junghwan; Stevens, G. H.

1990-01-01

A spread spectrum system, slow frequency hopping with GMSK (Gaussian minimum shift keying) modulation (SFH-GMSK), is proposed for mobile telephone communications. The system performance is evaluated using computer simulation and is compared with an unspread system. Results show that under multipath fading conditions, when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is greater than 15 dB, slow frequency hopping gives some bit error rate improvement over the unspread system. Theoretical predictions indicate that a system efficiency of 20-65 users per cell can be achieved in the cellular configuration. Joint use of SFH-GMSK and FM is also investigated. It is shown that FM interference can cause serious degradation to the SFH-GMSK performance.

Selenium reduces mobile phone (900 MHz)-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

PubMed

Kahya, Mehmet Cemal; Nazıroğlu, Mustafa; Çiğ, Bilal

2014-08-01

Exposure to mobile phone-induced electromagnetic radiation (EMR) may affect biological systems by increasing free oxygen radicals, apoptosis, and mitochondrial depolarization levels although selenium may modulate the values in cancer. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of 900 MHz radiation on the antioxidant redox system, apoptosis, and mitochondrial depolarization levels in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Cultures of the cancer cells were divided into four main groups as controls, selenium, EMR, and EMR + selenium. In EMR groups, the cells were exposed to 900 MHz EMR for 1 h (SAR value of the EMR was 0.36 ± 0.02 W/kg). In selenium groups, the cells were also incubated with sodium selenite for 1 h before EMR exposure. Then, the following values were analyzed: (a) cell viability, (b) intracellular ROS production, (c) mitochondrial membrane depolarization, (d) cell apoptosis, and (e) caspase-3 and caspase-9 values. Selenium suppressed EMR-induced oxidative cell damage and cell viability (MTT) through a reduction of oxidative stress and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, selenium indicated anti-apoptotic effects, as demonstrated by plate reader analyses of apoptosis levels and caspase-3 and caspase-9 values. In conclusion, 900 MHz EMR appears to induce apoptosis effects through oxidative stress and mitochondrial depolarization although incubation of selenium seems to counteract the effects on apoptosis and oxidative stress.

Graphical analysis of power systems for mobile robotics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raade, Justin William

The field of mobile robotics places stringent demands on the power system. Energetic autonomy, or the ability to function for a useful operation time independent of any tether, refueling, or recharging, is a driving force in a robot designed for a field application. The focus of this dissertation is the development of two graphical analysis tools, namely Ragone plots and optimal hybridization plots, for the design of human scale mobile robotic power systems. These tools contribute to the intuitive understanding of the performance of a power system and expand the toolbox of the design engineer. Ragone plots are useful for graphically comparing the merits of different power systems for a wide range of operation times. They plot the specific power versus the specific energy of a system on logarithmic scales. The driving equations in the creation of a Ragone plot are derived in terms of several important system parameters. Trends at extreme operation times (both very short and very long) are examined. Ragone plot analysis is applied to the design of several power systems for high-power human exoskeletons. Power systems examined include a monopropellant-powered free piston hydraulic pump, a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine with hydraulic actuators, and a fuel cell with electric actuators. Hybrid power systems consist of two or more distinct energy sources that are used together to meet a single load. They can often outperform non-hybrid power systems in low duty-cycle applications or those with widely varying load profiles and long operation times. Two types of energy sources are defined: engine-like and capacitive. The hybridization rules for different combinations of energy sources are derived using graphical plots of hybrid power system mass versus the primary system power. Optimal hybridization analysis is applied to several power systems for low-power human exoskeletons. Hybrid power systems examined include a fuel cell and a solar panel coupled with lithium polymer batteries. In summary, this dissertation describes the development and application of two graphical analysis tools for the intuitive design of mobile robotic power systems. Several design examples are discussed involving human exoskeleton power systems.

Kidney cell electrophoresis, continuing task

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Todd, P. W.

1985-01-01

Materials and procedures for microgravity electrophoresis of living human embryonic kidney cells were evaluated to provide ground support in the form of analytical cell electrophoresis and flow cytometry. Preflight culture media, electrophoresis buffer, fraction collection media, temperature profiles, and urokinase assay procedures were tested prior to flight. Electrophoretic mobility distributions of aliquots of the cell population to be fractionated in flight were obtained. Cells were prepared in suspension prior to flight in electrophoresis buffer and 10% calf serum. Electrophoretic separation proceeded in electrophoresis buffer without serum in the Continuous Flow Electrophoretic Separator, and fractions were collected into sample bags containing culture medium and concentrated serum. Fractions that yielded enough progeny cells were analyzed for morphology and electrophoretic mobility distributions. It is noted that the lowest mobility fraction studied produced higher mobility progeny while the other fractions produced progeny cells with mobilities related to the fractions from which they were collected.

Differential Effects of Tissue Culture Coating Substrates on Prostate Cancer Cell Adherence, Morphology and Behavior

PubMed Central

Liberio, Michelle S.; Sadowski, Martin C.; Soekmadji, Carolina; Davis, Rohan A.; Nelson, Colleen C.

2014-01-01

Weak cell-surface adhesion of cell lines to tissue culture surfaces is a common problem and presents technical limitations to the design of experiments. To overcome this problem, various surface coating protocols have been developed. However, a comparative and precise real-time measurement of their impact on cell behavior has not been conducted. The prostate cancer cell line LNCaP, derived from a patient lymph node metastasis, is a commonly used model system in prostate cancer research. However, the cells’ characteristically weak attachment to the surface of tissue culture vessels and cover slips has impeded their manipulation and analysis and use in high throughput screening. To improve the adherence of LNCaP cells to the culture surface, we compared different coating reagents (poly-l-lysine, poly-l-ornithine, collagen type IV, fibronectin, and laminin) and culturing conditions and analyzed their impact on cell proliferation, adhesion, morphology, mobility and gene expression using real-time technologies. The results showed that fibronectin, poly-l-lysine and poly-l-ornithine improved LNCaP cells adherence and provoked cell morphology alterations, such as increase of nuclear and cellular area. These coating reagents also induced a higher expression of F-actin and reduced cell mobility. In contrast, laminin and collagen type IV did not improve adherence but promoted cell aggregation and affected cell morphology. Cells cultured in the presence of laminin displayed higher mobility than control cells. All the coating conditions significantly affected cell viability; however, they did not affect the expression of androgen receptor-regulated genes. Our comparative findings provide important insight for the selection of the ideal coating reagent and culture conditions for the cancer cell lines with respect to their effect on proliferation rate, attachment, morphology, migration, transcriptional response and cellular cytoskeleton arrangement. PMID:25375165

Behavior and memory evaluation of Wistar rats exposed to 1·8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.

PubMed

Júnior, Luiz Carlos de Caires; Guimarães, Ernesto da Silveira Goulart; Musso, Camila Manso; Stabler, Collin Turner; Garcia, Raúl Marcel González; Mourão-Júnior, Carlos Alberto; Andreazzi, Ana Eliza

2014-09-01

The development of communication systems has brought great social and economic benefits to society. As mobile phone use has become widespread, concerns have emerged regarding the potential adverse effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) used by these devices. To verify potential effects of mobile phone radiation on the central nervous system (CNS) in an animal model. Male Wistar rats (60 days old) were exposed to RF-EMR from a Global System for Mobile (GSM) cell phone (1·8 GHz) for 3 days. At the end of the exposure, the following behavioral tests were performed: open field and object recognition. Our results showed that exposed animals did not present anxiety patterns or working memory impairment, but stress behavior actions were observed. Given the results of the present study, we speculate that RF-EMR does not promote CNS impairment, but suggest that it may lead to stressful behavioral patterns.

77 FR 2734 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request: Solar Cell: A Mobile UV Manager for Smart Phones (NCI)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-19

... Request: Solar Cell: A Mobile UV Manager for Smart Phones (NCI) SUMMARY: In compliance with the... Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. Proposed Collection: Title: Solar Cell: A Mobile UV... Collection: The overall goal of the study is to design a smart phone application, Solar Cell, which uses...

Sodium Caseinate (CasNa) Induces Mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem Cells in a BALB/c Mouse Model

PubMed Central

Santiago-Osorio, Edelmiro; Ledesma-Martínez, Edgar; Aguiñiga-Sánchez, Itzen; Poblano-Pérez, Ignacio; Weiss-Steider, Benny; Montesinos-Montesinos, Juan José; de Lourdes Mora-García, María

2015-01-01

Background Hematopoietic stem cells transplantation has high clinical potential against a wide variety of hematologic, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases and solid tumors. Clinically, hematopoietic stem cells derived from peripheral blood are currently used more than those obtained from sources such as bone marrow. However, mobilizing agents used in the clinic tend to fail in high rates, making the number of mobilized cells insufficient for transplantation. We investigated whether sodium caseinate induces functional mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells into peripheral blood of Balb/c mice. Material/Methods Using a mouse model, we administrated sodium caseinate or Plerixafor, a commercial mobilizing agent, and analyzed counts of hematopoietic stem cells in peripheral blood, and then cells were transplanted into lethally irradiated mice to restore hematopoiesis. All assays were performed at least twice. Results We found that sodium caseinate increases the number of mononuclear cells in peripheral blood with the immunophenotype of hematopoietic stem cells (0.2 to 0.5% LSK cells), allowing them to form colonies of various cell lineages in semisolid medium (p<0.05). This effect is similar to that of Plerixafor, and cells transplanted into lethally irradiated mice can restore hematopoiesis at higher percentages than mononuclear cells mobilized by Plerixafor (40% vs. 20%, respectively). Further, a secondary transplant rescued a separate group of irradiated mice from death, proving definitive evidence of hematopoietic reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. To determine significant differences between the data, one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test were used. Conclusions Collectively these results show the utility of sodium caseinate as a mobilizer of hematopoietic stem cells and its potential clinical application in transplantation settings. PMID:26409928

Sodium Caseinate (CasNa) Induces Mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem Cells in a BALB/c Mouse Model.

PubMed

Santiago-Osorio, Edelmiro; Ledesma-Martínez, Edgar; Aguiñiga-Sánchez, Itzen; Poblano-Pérez, Ignacio; Weiss-Steider, Benny; Montesinos-Montesinos, Juan José; Mora-García, María de Lourdes

2015-09-25

BACKGROUND Hematopoietic stem cells transplantation has high clinical potential against a wide variety of hematologic, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases and solid tumors. Clinically, hematopoietic stem cells derived from peripheral blood are currently used more than those obtained from sources such as bone marrow. However, mobilizing agents used in the clinic tend to fail in high rates, making the number of mobilized cells insufficient for transplantation. We investigated whether sodium caseinate induces functional mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells into peripheral blood of Balb/c mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using a mouse model, we administrated sodium caseinate or Plerixafor, a commercial mobilizing agent, and analyzed counts of hematopoietic stem cells in peripheral blood, and then cells were transplanted into lethally irradiated mice to restore hematopoiesis. All assays were performed at least twice. RESULTS We found that sodium caseinate increases the number of mononuclear cells in peripheral blood with the immunophenotype of hematopoietic stem cells (0.2 to 0.5% LSK cells), allowing them to form colonies of various cell lineages in semisolid medium (p<0.05). This effect is similar to that of Plerixafor, and cells transplanted into lethally irradiated mice can restore hematopoiesis at higher percentages than mononuclear cells mobilized by Plerixafor (40% vs. 20%, respectively). Further, a secondary transplant rescued a separate group of irradiated mice from death, proving definitive evidence of hematopoietic reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. To determine significant differences between the data, one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test were used. CONCLUSIONS Collectively these results show the utility of sodium caseinate as a mobilizer of hematopoietic stem cells and its potential clinical application in transplantation settings.

Resolving mixed mechanisms of protein subdiffusion at the T cell plasma membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golan, Yonatan; Sherman, Eilon

2017-06-01

The plasma membrane is a complex medium where transmembrane proteins diffuse and interact to facilitate cell function. Membrane protein mobility is affected by multiple mechanisms, including crowding, trapping, medium elasticity and structure, thus limiting our ability to distinguish them in intact cells. Here we characterize the mobility and organization of a short transmembrane protein at the plasma membrane of live T cells, using single particle tracking and photoactivated-localization microscopy. Protein mobility is highly heterogeneous, subdiffusive and ergodic-like. Using mobility characteristics, we segment individual trajectories into subpopulations with distinct Gaussian step-size distributions. Particles of low-to-medium mobility consist of clusters, diffusing in a viscoelastic and fractal-like medium and are enriched at the centre of the cell footprint. Particles of high mobility undergo weak confinement and are more evenly distributed. This study presents a methodological approach to resolve simultaneous mixed subdiffusion mechanisms acting on polydispersed samples and complex media such as cell membranes.

Libraries and the Mobile Web

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanson, Cody

2011-01-01

In 2011, cell phones and mobile devices are ubiquitous. The vast majority of Americans now own cell phones, and over half of them have mobile access to the Internet through a phone or other mobile device. For libraries to stay relevant, they must be able to offer content and services through the mobile web. In this issue of "Library Technology…

Watching Mobility Engendered by Actin Polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jee, Ah-Young; Granick, Steve; Tlusty, Tsvi

We have been investigating hydrodynamic flows engendered in molecular systems by active motion. In fact, active directed motion is ubiquitous as a transport mechanism within cells and other systems, sometimes by the action of molecular motors as they move along cytoskeletal filaments, sometimes by the polymerization and depolymerization of filament themselves. To probe this situation, we have employed fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) in the STED mode (stimulation emission-depletion), this super-resolution approach allowing us to investigate molecular mobility as averaged over a spectrum of space scales: from areas of the optical diffraction limit or larger, to regions as small as 30 40 nm. This comparison of FCS-STED measurements when the projected area investigated varies by a factor of >10, reveals remarkable scale dependence of the mobility that we infer.

Architecture and Concept of Operations for a Warfighter’s Internet. Volume 2: Appendices

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-28

National Technical Information Service , where it will be available to the general public, including foreign nationals. This technical report has been...SUPPORT INTEGRATED SERVICES IN A MOBILE CELLULAR SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE (FOR ARCHITECTURE OPT. 2) B-1 1. Introduction B-l 2. Warfighter’s...Internet Architecture and Concept of Operation B-2 3. Subnet Provider Interface (SNPI) B-5 4. Integrated Services Cell Multiplexing (ISCM) B-9 5. Mobile

The role of the actin cytoskeleton in calcium signaling in starfish oocytes.

PubMed

Santella, Luigia; Puppo, Agostina; Chun, Jong Tai

2008-01-01

Ca2+ is the most universal second messenger in cells from the very first moment of fertilization. In all animal species, fertilized eggs exhibit massive mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ to orchestrate the initial events of development. Echinoderm eggs have been an excellent model system for studying fertilization and the cell cycle due to their large size and abundance. In preparation for fertilization, the cell cycle-arrested oocytes must undergo meiotic maturation. Studies of starfish oocytes have shown that Ca2+ signaling is intimately involved in this process. Our knowledge of the molecular mechanism of meiotic maturation and fertilization has expanded greatly in the past two decades due to the discovery of cell cycle-related kinases and Ca2+-mobilizing second messengers. However, the molecular details of their actions await elucidation of other cellular elements that assist in the creation and transduction of Ca2+ signals. In this regard, the actin cytoskeleton, the receptors for second messengers and the Ca2+-binding proteins also require more attention. This article reviews the physiological significance and the mechanism of intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in starfish oocytes during maturation and fertilization.

Electrophoretic mobilities of cultured human embryonic kidney cells in various buffers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Data on the electrophoretic mobility distributions of cells in the new D-1 buffer and the interlaboratory standardization of urokinase assay methods are presented. A table of cell strains and recent data on cell dispersal methods are also included. It was decided that glycerol in A-1 electrophoretic mobility data on cultured human embryonic kidney cells subjected to electrophoresis in this buffer. The buffer composition is presented.

Headset Bluetooth and cell phone based continuous central body temperature measurement system.

PubMed

Sanches, J Miguel; Pereira, Bruno; Paiva, Teresa

2010-01-01

The accurate measure of the central temperature is a very important physiologic indicator in several clinical applications, namely, in the characterization and diagnosis of sleep disorders. In this paper a simple system is described to continuously measure the body temperature at the ear. An electronic temperature sensor is coupled to the microphone of a common commercial auricular Bluetooth device that sends the temperature measurements to a mobile phone to which is paired. The measurements are stored at the mobile phone and periodically sent to a medical facility by email or SMS (short messaging service).

Development and operation of a mobile test facility for education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Christopher T.

The automotive industry saw a large shift towards vehicle electrification after the turn of the century. It became necessary to ensure that new and existing engineers were qualified to design and calibrate these new systems. To ensure this training, Michigan Tech received a grant to develop a curriculum based around vehicle electrification. As part of this agenda, the Michigan Tech Mobile Laboratory was developed to provide hands-on training for professional engineers and technicians in hybrid electric vehicles and vehicle electrification. The Mobile Lab has since then increased the scope of the delivered curriculum to include other automotive areas and even customizable course content to meet specific needs. This thesis outlines the development of the Mobile Laboratory and its powertrain test facilities. The focus of this thesis is to discuss the different hardware and software systems within the lab and test cells. Detailed instructions on the operation and maintenance of each of the systems are discussed. In addition, this thesis outlines the setup and operation of the necessary equipment for several of the experiments for the on and off campus courses and seminars.

The Immune System Game

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Work, Kirsten A.; Gibbs, Melissa A.; Friedman, Erich J.

2015-01-01

We describe a card game that helps introductory biology students understand the basics of the immune response to pathogens. Students simulate the steps of the immune response with cards that represent the pathogens and the cells and molecules mobilized by the immune system. In the process, they learn the similarities and differences between the…

Simultaneous Vascular Targeting and Tumor Targeting of Cerebral Breast Cancer Metastases Using a T-Cell Receptor Mimic Antibody

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

in May 2013, the difference between nude mice (which lack T- cells , but still have a partially functional adaptive and innate immune system) and NSG...Mangada J, Greiner DL, Handgretinger R. Human lymphoid and myeloid cell development in NOD/LtSz-scid IL2R gamma null mice engrafted with mobilized human...Targeting of Cerebral Breast Cancer Metastases Using a T- Cell Receptor Mimic Antibody PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Ulrich Bickel

The Role of Innovation Regimes and Policy for Creating Radical Innovations: Comparing Some Aspects of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology Development with the Development of Internet and GSM

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Godoe, Helge

2006-01-01

Telegraphy, the distant ancestor of Internet and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), was invented by Samuel Morse in 1838. One year later, William Grove invented the fuel cell. Although numerous highly successful innovations stemming from telegraphy may be observed, the development of fuel cells has been insignificant, slow, and erratic…

A Middleware Platform for Providing Mobile and Embedded Computing Instruction to Software Engineering Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattmann, C. A.; Medvidovic, N.; Malek, S.; Edwards, G.; Banerjee, S.

2012-01-01

As embedded software systems have grown in number, complexity, and importance in the modern world, a corresponding need to teach computer science students how to effectively engineer such systems has arisen. Embedded software systems, such as those that control cell phones, aircraft, and medical equipment, are subject to requirements and…

Assessment of the suitability of public mobile data networks for aircraft telemetry and control purposes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez, F.; Walker, R.; Rutherford, N.; Turner, C.

2011-04-01

This paper provides a review of the state of the art of relevant work on the use of public mobile data networks for aircraft telemetry and control proposes. Moreover, it describes the characterisation for airborne uses of the public mobile data communication systems known broadly as 3G. The motivation for this study was to explore how this mature public communication systems could be used for aviation purposes. An experimental system was fitted to a light aircraft to record communication latency, line speed, RF level, packet loss and cell tower identifier. Communications was established using internet protocols and connection was made to a local server. The aircraft was flown in both remote and populous areas at altitudes up to 8500 ft in a region located in South East Queensland, Australia. Results show that the average airborne RF levels are better than those on the ground by 21% and in the order of -77 dbm. Latencies were in the order of 500 ms (1/2 the latency of Iridium), an average download speed of 0.48 Mb/s, average uplink speed of 0.85 Mb/s, a packet of information loss of 6.5%. The maximum communication range was also observed to be 70 km from a single cell station. The paper also describes possible limitations and utility of using such communications architecture for both manned and unmanned aircraft systems.

Various types of stem cells, including a population of very small embryonic-like stem cells, are mobilized into peripheral blood in patients with Crohn's disease.

PubMed

Marlicz, Wojciech; Zuba-Surma, Ewa; Kucia, Magda; Blogowski, Wojciech; Starzynska, Teresa; Ratajczak, Mariusz Z

2012-09-01

Developmentally early cells, including hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), are mobilized into peripheral blood (PB) in response to tissue/organ injury. We sought to determine whether these cells are mobilized into PB in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Twenty-five patients with active CD, 20 patients in clinical remission, and 25 age-matched controls were recruited and PB samples harvested. The circulating CD133+/Lin-/CD45+ and CD34+/Lin-/CD45+ cells enriched for HSPCs, CD105+/STRO-1+/CD45- cells enriched for MSCs, CD34+/KDR+/CD31+/CD45-cells enriched for EPCs, and small CXCR4+CD34+CD133+ subsets of Lin-CD45- cells that correspond to the population of VSELs were counted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and evaluated by direct immunofluorescence staining for pluripotency embryonic markers and by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for expression of messenger (m)RNAs for a panel of genes expressed in intestine epithelial stem cells. The serum concentration of factors involved in stem cell trafficking, such as stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our data indicate that cells expressing markers for MSCs, EPCs, and small Oct-4+Nanog+SSEA-4+CXCR4+lin-CD45- VSELs are mobilized into PB in CD. The mobilized cells also expressed at the mRNA level genes playing a role in development and regeneration of gastrointestinal epithelium. All these changes were accompanied by increased serum concentrations of VEGF and HGF. CD triggers the mobilization of MSCs, EPCs, and VSELs, while the significance and precise role of these mobilized cells in repair of damaged intestine requires further study. Copyright © 2012 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc.

Mobility of rare earth elements in mine drainage: Influence of iron oxides, carbonates, and phosphates.

PubMed

Edahbi, Mohamed; Plante, Benoît; Benzaazoua, Mostafa; Ward, Matthew; Pelletier, Mia

2018-05-01

The geochemical behavior of rare earth elements (REE) was investigated using weathering cells. The influence of sorption and precipitation on dissolved REE mobility and fractionation is evaluated using synthetic iron-oxides, carbonates, and phosphates. Sorption cell tests are conducted on the main lithologies of the expected waste rocks from the Montviel deposit. The sorbed materials are characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with a microanalysis system (energy dispersive spectroscopy EDS) (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) in order to understand the effect of the synthetic minerals on REE mobility. The results confirm that sorption and precipitation control the mobility and fractionation of REE. The main sorbent phases are the carbonates, phosphates (present as accessory minerals in the Montviel waste rocks), and iron oxides (main secondary minerals generated upon weathering of the Montviel lithologies). The XANES results show that REE are present as trivalent species after weathering. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations results using Visual Minteq suggest that REE could precipitate as secondary phosphates (REEPO 4 ). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Systemic administration of erythropoietin inhibits retinopathy in RCS rats.

PubMed

Shen, Weiyong; Chung, Sook H; Irhimeh, Mohammad R; Li, Shiying; Lee, So-Ra; Gillies, Mark C

2014-01-01

Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats develop vasculopathy as photoreceptors degenerate. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on retinopathy in RCS rats. Fluorescein angiography was used to monitor retinal vascular changes over time. Changes in retinal glia and vasculature were studied by immunostaining. To study the effects of EPO on retinal pathology, EPO (5000 IU/kg) was injected intraperitoneally in 14 week old normal and RCS rats twice a week for 4 weeks. Changes in the retinal vasculature, glia and microglia, photoreceptor apoptosis, differential expression of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), pro-neurotrophin 3 (pro-NT3), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the production of CD34(+) cells and mobilization of CD34(+)/VEGF-R2(+) cells as well as recruitment of CD34(+) cells into the retina were examined after EPO treatment. RCS rats developed progressive capillary dropout and subretinal neovascularization which were accompanied by retinal gliosis. Systemic administration of EPO stabilized the retinal vasculature and inhibited the development of focal vascular lesions. Further studies showed that EPO modulated retinal gliosis, attenuated photoreceptor apoptosis and p75NTR and pro-NT3 upregulation, promoted the infiltration of ramified microglia and stimulated VEGF-A expression but had little effect on TNFα and PEDF expression. EPO stimulated the production of red and white blood cells and CD34(+) cells along with effective mobilization of CD34(+)/VEGF-R2(+) cells. Immunofluorescence study demonstrated that EPO enhanced the recruitment of CD34+ cells into the retina. Our results suggest that EPO has therapeutic potentials in treatment of neuronal and vascular pathology in retinal disease. The protective effects of EPO on photoreceptors and the retinal vasculature may involve multiple mechanisms including regulation of retinal glia and microglia, inhibition of p75NTR-pro-NT3 signaling together with stimulation of production and mobilization of bone marrow derived cells.

Systemic Administration of Erythropoietin Inhibits Retinopathy in RCS Rats

PubMed Central

Shen, Weiyong; Chung, Sook H.; Irhimeh, Mohammad R.; Li, Shiying; Lee, So-Ra; Gillies, Mark C.

2014-01-01

Objective Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats develop vasculopathy as photoreceptors degenerate. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on retinopathy in RCS rats. Methods Fluorescein angiography was used to monitor retinal vascular changes over time. Changes in retinal glia and vasculature were studied by immunostaining. To study the effects of EPO on retinal pathology, EPO (5000 IU/kg) was injected intraperitoneally in 14 week old normal and RCS rats twice a week for 4 weeks. Changes in the retinal vasculature, glia and microglia, photoreceptor apoptosis, differential expression of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), pro-neurotrophin 3 (pro-NT3), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα), pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the production of CD34+ cells and mobilization of CD34+/VEGF-R2+ cells as well as recruitment of CD34+ cells into the retina were examined after EPO treatment. Results RCS rats developed progressive capillary dropout and subretinal neovascularization which were accompanied by retinal gliosis. Systemic administration of EPO stabilized the retinal vasculature and inhibited the development of focal vascular lesions. Further studies showed that EPO modulated retinal gliosis, attenuated photoreceptor apoptosis and p75NTR and pro-NT3 upregulation, promoted the infiltration of ramified microglia and stimulated VEGF-A expression but had little effect on TNFα and PEDF expression. EPO stimulated the production of red and white blood cells and CD34+ cells along with effective mobilization of CD34+/VEGF-R2+ cells. Immunofluorescence study demonstrated that EPO enhanced the recruitment of CD34+ cells into the retina. Conclusions Our results suggest that EPO has therapeutic potentials in treatment of neuronal and vascular pathology in retinal disease. The protective effects of EPO on photoreceptors and the retinal vasculature may involve multiple mechanisms including regulation of retinal glia and microglia, inhibition of p75NTR-pro-NT3 signaling together with stimulation of production and mobilization of bone marrow derived cells. PMID:25119659

Mobile cosmetics advisor: an imaging based mobile service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatti, Nina; Baker, Harlyn; Chao, Hui; Clearwater, Scott; Harville, Mike; Jain, Jhilmil; Lyons, Nic; Marguier, Joanna; Schettino, John; Süsstrunk, Sabine

2010-01-01

Selecting cosmetics requires visual information and often benefits from the assessments of a cosmetics expert. In this paper we present a unique mobile imaging application that enables women to use their cell phones to get immediate expert advice when selecting personal cosmetic products. We derive the visual information from analysis of camera phone images, and provide the judgment of the cosmetics specialist through use of an expert system. The result is a new paradigm for mobile interactions-image-based information services exploiting the ubiquity of camera phones. The application is designed to work with any handset over any cellular carrier using commonly available MMS and SMS features. Targeted at the unsophisticated consumer, it must be quick and easy to use, not requiring download capabilities or preplanning. Thus, all application processing occurs in the back-end system and not on the handset itself. We present the imaging pipeline technology and a comparison of the services' accuracy with respect to human experts.

Ultralife's polymer electrolyte rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for use in the mobile electronics industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuellar, Edward A.; Manna, Michael E.; Wise, Ralph D.; Gavrilov, Alexei B.; Bastian, Matthew J.; Brey, Rufus M.; DeMatteis, Jeffrey

Ultralife Polymer™ brand batteries for cellular phones as made by Nokia Mobile Phones Incorporated were introduced in July 2000. Characteristics of the UBC443483 cell and UB750N battery are described and related to the power and battery requirements of these cellular phones and chargers. Current, power, and pulse capability are presented as functions of temperature, depth of discharge, and storage at the cell level. Safety protection devices and chargers are discussed at the battery pack level, as well as performance in cellular phones under various wireless communication protocols. Performance is competitive with liquid lithium-ion systems while offering opportunity for non-traditional form factors.

Low-cost mobile phone microscopy with a reversed mobile phone camera lens.

PubMed

Switz, Neil A; D'Ambrosio, Michael V; Fletcher, Daniel A

2014-01-01

The increasing capabilities and ubiquity of mobile phones and their associated digital cameras offer the possibility of extending low-cost, portable diagnostic microscopy to underserved and low-resource areas. However, mobile phone microscopes created by adding magnifying optics to the phone's camera module have been unable to make use of the full image sensor due to the specialized design of the embedded camera lens, exacerbating the tradeoff between resolution and field of view inherent to optical systems. This tradeoff is acutely felt for diagnostic applications, where the speed and cost of image-based diagnosis is related to the area of the sample that can be viewed at sufficient resolution. Here we present a simple and low-cost approach to mobile phone microscopy that uses a reversed mobile phone camera lens added to an intact mobile phone to enable high quality imaging over a significantly larger field of view than standard microscopy. We demonstrate use of the reversed lens mobile phone microscope to identify red and white blood cells in blood smears and soil-transmitted helminth eggs in stool samples.

Low-Cost Mobile Phone Microscopy with a Reversed Mobile Phone Camera Lens

PubMed Central

Fletcher, Daniel A.

2014-01-01

The increasing capabilities and ubiquity of mobile phones and their associated digital cameras offer the possibility of extending low-cost, portable diagnostic microscopy to underserved and low-resource areas. However, mobile phone microscopes created by adding magnifying optics to the phone's camera module have been unable to make use of the full image sensor due to the specialized design of the embedded camera lens, exacerbating the tradeoff between resolution and field of view inherent to optical systems. This tradeoff is acutely felt for diagnostic applications, where the speed and cost of image-based diagnosis is related to the area of the sample that can be viewed at sufficient resolution. Here we present a simple and low-cost approach to mobile phone microscopy that uses a reversed mobile phone camera lens added to an intact mobile phone to enable high quality imaging over a significantly larger field of view than standard microscopy. We demonstrate use of the reversed lens mobile phone microscope to identify red and white blood cells in blood smears and soil-transmitted helminth eggs in stool samples. PMID:24854188

Organic solvents, electrolytes, and lithium ion cells with good low temperature performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, Chen-Kuo (Inventor); Smart, Marshall C. (Inventor); Surampudi, Subbarao (Inventor); Bugga, Ratnakumar V. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

Multi-component organic solvent systems, electrolytes and electrochemical cells characterized by good low temperature performance are provided. In one embodiment, an improved organic solvent system contains a ternary mixture of ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. In other embodiments, quaternary systems include a fourth component, i.e, an aliphatic ester, an asymmetric alkyl carbonate or a compound of the formula LiOX, where X is R, COOR, or COR, where R is alkyl or fluoroalkyl. Electrolytes based on such organic solvent systems are also provided and contain therein a lithium salt of high ionic mobility, such as LiPF.sub.6. Reversible electrochemical cells, particularly lithium ion cells, are constructed with the improved electrolytes, and preferably include a carbonaceous anode, an insertion type cathode, and an electrolyte interspersed therebetween.

Identification, emergence and mobilization of circulating endothelial cells or progenitors in the embryo.

PubMed

Pardanaud, Luc; Eichmann, Anne

2006-07-01

Using quail-chick parabiosis and QH1 monoclonal antibody analysis, we have identified circulating endothelial cells and/or progenitors in the embryo. These cells were already present early in ontogeny, before the third embryonic day. Under normal conditions, they integrated into most tissues but remained scarce. When experimental angiogenic responses were induced by wounding or grafts onto the chorioallantoic membrane, circulating endothelial cells were rapidly mobilized and selectively integrated sites of neoangiogenesis. Their mobilization was not dependent on the presence of the bone marrow as it was effective before its differentiation. Surprisingly, mobilization was not effective during sprouting angiogenesis following VEGF treatment of chorioallantoic membrane. Thus, embryonic circulating endothelial cells were efficiently mobilized during the establishment of an initial vascular supply to ischemic tissues following wounding or grafting, but were not involved during classical sprouting angiogenesis.

Smartphone Analytics: Mobilizing the Lab into the Cloud for Omic-Scale Analyses.

PubMed

Montenegro-Burke, J Rafael; Phommavongsay, Thiery; Aisporna, Aries E; Huan, Tao; Rinehart, Duane; Forsberg, Erica; Poole, Farris L; Thorgersen, Michael P; Adams, Michael W W; Krantz, Gregory; Fields, Matthew W; Northen, Trent R; Robbins, Paul D; Niedernhofer, Laura J; Lairson, Luke; Benton, H Paul; Siuzdak, Gary

2016-10-04

Active data screening is an integral part of many scientific activities, and mobile technologies have greatly facilitated this process by minimizing the reliance on large hardware instrumentation. In order to meet with the increasingly growing field of metabolomics and heavy workload of data processing, we designed the first remote metabolomic data screening platform for mobile devices. Two mobile applications (apps), XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile, facilitate access to XCMS and METLIN, which are the most important components in the computer-based XCMS Online platforms. These mobile apps allow for the visualization and analysis of metabolic data throughout the entire analytical process. Specifically, XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile provide the capabilities for remote monitoring of data processing, real time notifications for the data processing, visualization and interactive analysis of processed data (e.g., cloud plots, principle component analysis, box-plots, extracted ion chromatograms, and hierarchical cluster analysis), and database searching for metabolite identification. These apps, available on Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems, allow for the migration of metabolomic research onto mobile devices for better accessibility beyond direct instrument operation. The utility of XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile functionalities was developed and is demonstrated here through the metabolomic LC-MS analyses of stem cells, colon cancer, aging, and bacterial metabolism.

Smartphone Analytics: Mobilizing the Lab into the Cloud for Omic-Scale Analyses

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Active data screening is an integral part of many scientific activities, and mobile technologies have greatly facilitated this process by minimizing the reliance on large hardware instrumentation. In order to meet with the increasingly growing field of metabolomics and heavy workload of data processing, we designed the first remote metabolomic data screening platform for mobile devices. Two mobile applications (apps), XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile, facilitate access to XCMS and METLIN, which are the most important components in the computer-based XCMS Online platforms. These mobile apps allow for the visualization and analysis of metabolic data throughout the entire analytical process. Specifically, XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile provide the capabilities for remote monitoring of data processing, real time notifications for the data processing, visualization and interactive analysis of processed data (e.g., cloud plots, principle component analysis, box-plots, extracted ion chromatograms, and hierarchical cluster analysis), and database searching for metabolite identification. These apps, available on Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems, allow for the migration of metabolomic research onto mobile devices for better accessibility beyond direct instrument operation. The utility of XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile functionalities was developed and is demonstrated here through the metabolomic LC-MS analyses of stem cells, colon cancer, aging, and bacterial metabolism. PMID:27560777

Smartphone Analytics: Mobilizing the Lab into the Cloud for Omic-Scale Analyses

DOE PAGES

Montenegro-Burke, J. Rafael; Phommavongsay, Thiery; Aisporna, Aries E.; ...

2016-08-25

Active data screening is an integral part of many scientific activities, and mobile technologies have greatly facilitated this process by minimizing the reliance on large hardware instrumentation. In order to meet with the increasingly growing field of metabolomics and heavy workload of data processing, we designed the first remote metabolomic data screening platform for mobile devices. Two mobile applications (apps), XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile, facilitate access to XCMS and METLIN, which are the most important components in the computer-based XCMS Online platforms. These mobile apps allow for the visualization and analysis of metabolic data throughout the entire analytical process.more » Specifically, XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile provide the capabilities for remote monitoring of data processing, real time notifications for the data processing, visualization and interactive analysis of processed data (e.g., cloud plots, principle component analysis, box-plots, extracted ion chromatograms, and hierarchical cluster analysis), and database searching for metabolite identification. These apps, available on Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems, allow for the migration of metabolomic research onto mobile devices for better accessibility beyond direct instrument operation. The utility of XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile functionalities was developed and is demonstrated here through the metabolomic LC-MS analyses of stem cells, colon cancer, aging, and bacterial metabolism.« less

Smartphone Analytics: Mobilizing the Lab into the Cloud for Omic-Scale Analyses

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Montenegro-Burke, J. Rafael; Phommavongsay, Thiery; Aisporna, Aries E.

Active data screening is an integral part of many scientific activities, and mobile technologies have greatly facilitated this process by minimizing the reliance on large hardware instrumentation. In order to meet with the increasingly growing field of metabolomics and heavy workload of data processing, we designed the first remote metabolomic data screening platform for mobile devices. Two mobile applications (apps), XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile, facilitate access to XCMS and METLIN, which are the most important components in the computer-based XCMS Online platforms. These mobile apps allow for the visualization and analysis of metabolic data throughout the entire analytical process.more » Specifically, XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile provide the capabilities for remote monitoring of data processing, real time notifications for the data processing, visualization and interactive analysis of processed data (e.g., cloud plots, principle component analysis, box-plots, extracted ion chromatograms, and hierarchical cluster analysis), and database searching for metabolite identification. These apps, available on Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems, allow for the migration of metabolomic research onto mobile devices for better accessibility beyond direct instrument operation. The utility of XCMS Mobile and METLIN Mobile functionalities was developed and is demonstrated here through the metabolomic LC-MS analyses of stem cells, colon cancer, aging, and bacterial metabolism.« less

Anomalous dynamics of intruders in a crowded environment of mobile obstacles

PubMed Central

Sentjabrskaja, Tatjana; Zaccarelli, Emanuela; De Michele, Cristiano; Sciortino, Francesco; Tartaglia, Piero; Voigtmann, Thomas; Egelhaaf, Stefan U.; Laurati, Marco

2016-01-01

Many natural and industrial processes rely on constrained transport, such as proteins moving through cells, particles confined in nanocomposite materials or gels, individuals in highly dense collectives and vehicular traffic conditions. These are examples of motion through crowded environments, in which the host matrix may retain some glass-like dynamics. Here we investigate constrained transport in a colloidal model system, in which dilute small spheres move in a slowly rearranging, glassy matrix of large spheres. Using confocal differential dynamic microscopy and simulations, here we discover a critical size asymmetry, at which anomalous collective transport of the small particles appears, manifested as a logarithmic decay of the density autocorrelation functions. We demonstrate that the matrix mobility is central for the observed anomalous behaviour. These results, crucially depending on size-induced dynamic asymmetry, are of relevance for a wide range of phenomena ranging from glassy systems to cell biology. PMID:27041068

Interactions between neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) and the substance P (NK1) receptor expressed in mammalian cells.

PubMed

Okamoto, A; Lovett, M; Payan, D G; Bunnett, N W

1994-05-01

Interactions between neutral endopeptidase-24.11 (NEP) and the substance P receptor (SPR; NK1) were investigated by examining substance P (SP) degradation, SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization in epithelial cells transfected with cDNA encoding the rat SPR and rat NEP. Expression of NEP accelerated the degradation of SP by intact epithelial cells and by membrane preparations, and degradation was reduced by the NEP inhibitor thiorphan. In cells expressing SPR alone, specific 125I-SP binding after 20 min incubation at 37 degrees C was 92.2 +/- 3.1% of maximal binding and was unaffected by thiorphan. Coexpression of NEP in the same cells as the SPR markedly reduced SP binding to 13.9 +/- 0.5% of maximal, and binding was increased to 82.7 +/- 2.4% of maximal with thiorphan. Coexpression of NEP in the same cells as the SPR also reduced to undetectable the increase in intracellular Ca2+ in response to low concentrations of SP (0.3 and 0.5 nM), and significantly reduced the response to higher concentrations (1 and 3 nM). The Ca2+ response was restored to control values by inhibition of NEP with thiorphan. In contrast, SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization were only slightly reduced when cells expressing SPR alone were mixed with a 3- to 24-fold excess of cells expressing NEP alone. Therefore, in this system, NEP markedly down-regulates SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization only when coexpressed in the same cells as the SPR.

Kill and spread the word: stimulation of antitumor immune responses in the context of radiotherapy.

PubMed

Gaipl, Udo S; Multhoff, Gabriele; Scheithauer, Heike; Lauber, Kirsten; Hehlgans, Stefanie; Frey, Benjamin; Rödel, Franz

2014-01-01

Besides the direct, targeted effects of ionizing irradiation (x-ray) on cancer cells, namely DNA damage and cell death induction, indirect, nontargeted ones exist, which are mediated in large part by the immune system. Immunogenic forms of tumor cell death induced by x-ray, including immune modulating danger signals like the heat shock protein 70, adenosine triphosphate, and high-mobility group box 1 protein are presented. Further, antitumor effects exerted by cells of the innate (natural killer cells) as well as adaptive immune system (T cells activated by dendritic cells) are outlined. Tumor cell death inhibiting molecules such as survivin are introduced as suitable target for molecularly tailored therapies in combination with x-ray. Finally, reasonable combinations of immune therapies with radiotherapy are discussed.

Overexpression or absence of calretinin in mouse primary mesothelial cells inversely affects proliferation and cell migration.

PubMed

Blum, Walter; Pecze, László; Felley-Bosco, Emanuela; Schwaller, Beat

2015-12-22

The Ca(2+)-binding protein calretinin is currently used as a positive marker for identifying epithelioid malignant mesothelioma (MM) and reactive mesothelium, but calretinin's likely role in mesotheliomagenesis remains unclear. Calretinin protects immortalized mesothelial cells in vitro from asbestos-induced cytotoxicity and thus might be implicated in mesothelioma formation. To further investigate calretinin's putative role in the early steps of MM generation, primary mesothelial cells from calretinin knockout (CR-/-) and wildtype (WT) mice were compared. Primary mouse mesothelial cells from WT and CR-/- mice were investigated with respect to morphology, marker proteins, proliferation, cell cycle parameters and mobility in vitro. Overexpression of calretinin or a nuclear-targeted variant was achieved by a lentiviral expression system. CR-/- mice have a normal mesothelium and no striking morphological abnormalities compared to WT animals were noted. Primary mouse mesothelial cells from both genotypes show a typical "cobblestone-like" morphology and express mesothelial markers including mesothelin. In cells from CR-/- mice in vitro, we observed more giant cells and a significantly decreased proliferation rate. Up-regulation of calretinin in mesothelial cells of both genotypes increases the proliferation rate and induces a cobblestone-like epithelial morphology. The length of the S/G2/M phase is unchanged, however the G1 phase is clearly prolonged in CR-/- cells. They are also much slower to close a scratch in a confluent cell layer (2D-wound assay). In addition to a change in cell morphology, an increase in proliferation and mobility is observed, if calretinin overexpression is targeted to the nucleus. Thus, both calretinin and nuclear-targeted calretinin increase mesothelial cell proliferation and consequently, speed up the scratch-closure time. The increased rate of scratch closure in WT cells is the result of two processes: an increased proliferation rate and augmented cell mobility of the border cells migrating towards the empty space. We hypothesize that the differences in proliferation and mobility between WT and CR-/- mesothelial cells are the likely result from differences in their developmental trajectories. The mechanistic understanding of the function of calretinin and its putative implication in signaling pathways in normal mesothelial cells may help understanding its role during the processes that lead to mesothelioma formation and could possibly open new avenues for mesothelioma therapy, either by directly targeting calretinin expression or indirectly by targeting calretinin-mediated downstream signaling.

Electric and magnetic fields do not modify the biochemical properties of FRTL-5 cells.

PubMed

Dimida, A; Ferrarini, E; Agretti, P; De Marco, G; Grasso, L; Martinelli, M; Longo, I; Giulietti, D; Ricci, A; Galimberti, M; Siervo, B; Licitra, G; Francia, F; Pinchera, A; Vitti, P; Tonacchera, M

2011-03-01

Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) might be involved in human disease and numerous research and scientific reviews have been conducted to address this question. In particular thyroid structural and functional alterations caused by various forms of non-ionizing radiation have been described. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible effects of EMF on thyroid, in particular we analyzed the effects caused by a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) signal (900 MHz) on cultured thyroid cells (FRTL- 5). The experimental setup was designed in order to expose samples to a radiofrequency wave in well-controlled conditions. We used the FRTL-5 cell line, an epithelial monoclonal continuous cell line derived from Fisher rat thyroid tissue growing as monolayer, expressing the TSH receptor and the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS). FRTL-5 were subsequently irradiate for 24, 48, and 96 h with EMF (800-900 MHz, power-frequency of mobile communication systems) and iodide uptake and cAMP production were measured. The irradiation of cells with EMF at 900 Mhz for 24, 48, and 96 h did not influence the level of cAMP production and was not able to modify iodide accumulation in FRTL- 5 cells with respect to basal conditions. In conclusion, EMF do not seem to be able to interfere with the biochemical properties of FRTL-5 cells in vitro.

Mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells in CLL patients after front-line fludarabine treatment.

PubMed

Lysak, D; Koza, V; Steinerova, K; Jindra, P; Vozobulova, V; Schutzova, M

2005-07-01

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is performed in an increasing number of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients who are in the first remission following fludarabine treatment. There are contradictory data about the adverse impact of fludarabine on stem cell harvest. We analysed retrospectively mobilization results in 56 poor-risk CLL patients (median age: 56 years) who underwent first-line treatment with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. The mobilization, consisting of cyclophosphamide 3 g/m(2) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) 10 microg/kg per day, was performed with a median of 77 days following the last fludarabine course. The target yield was >or=2.0x10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. The procedure was successful in 23 (41%) patients. A median of 3.3x10(6) CD34+ cells/kg was collected per patient. The successful mobilization was associated with a longer interval from the last chemotherapy (>2 months). The mobilization result was not influenced by the number of fludarabine cycles. No correlation was found in other parameters such as disease stage at diagnosis, disease status at stimulation or age. The poorly mobilized patients had significantly lower prestimulation blood counts (platelets, WBC and haemoglobin). Our data show that fludarabine does not generally prevent the stem cell mobilization; nevertheless, mechanisms related to the impact of fludarabine on stem cell harvest must be further investigated.

Development of mobile preventive notification system (PreNotiS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Abhinav; Akopian, David; Chen, Philip

2009-02-01

The tasks achievable by mobile handsets continuously exceed our imagination. Statistics show that the mobile phone sales are soaring, rising exponentially year after year with predictions being that they will rise to a billion units in 2009, with a large section of these being smartphones. Mobile service providers, mobile application developers and researchers have been working closely over the past decade to bring about revolutionary and hardware and software advancements in hand-sets such as embedded digital camera, large memory capacity, accelerometer, touch sensitive screens, GPS, Wi- Fi capabilities etc. as well as in the network infrastructure to support these features. Recently we presented a multi-platform, massive data collection system from distributive sources such as cell phone users1 called PreNotiS. This technology was intended to significantly simplify the response to the events and help e.g. special agencies to gather crucial information in time and respond as quickly as possible to prevent or contain potential emergency situations and act as a massive, centralized evidence collection mechanism that effectively exploits the advancements in mobile application development platforms and the existing network infrastructure to present an easy-touse, fast and effective tool to mobile phone users. We successfully demonstrated the functionality of the client-server application suite to post user information onto the server. This paper presents a new version of the system PreNotiS, with a revised client application and with all new server capabilities. PreNotiS still puts forth the idea of having a fast, efficient client-server based application suite for mobile phones which through a highly simplified user interface will collect security/calamity based information in a structured format from first responders and relay that structured information to a central server where this data is sorted into a database in a predefined manner. This information which includes selections, images and text will be instantly available to authorities and action forces through a secure web portal thus helping them to make decisions in a timely and prompt manner. All the cell phones have self-localizing capability according to FCC E9112 mandate, thus the communicated information can be further tagged automatically by location and time information at the server making all this information available through the secure web-portal.

Biomarkers of Nanoparticles Impact on Biological Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikhailenko, V.; Ieleiko, L.; Glavin, A.; Sorochinska, J.

Studies of nanoscale mineral fibers have demonstrated that the toxic and carcinogenic effects are related to the surface area and surface activity of inhaled particles. Particle surface characteristics are considered to be key factors in the generation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species and are related to the development of apoptosis or cancer. Existing physico-chemical methods do not always allow estimation of the nanoparticles impact on organismal and cellular levels. The aim of this study was to develop marker system for evaluation the toxic and carcinogenic effects of nanoparticles on cells. The markers are designed with respect to important nanoparticles characteristics for specific and sensitive assessment of their impact on biological system. We have studied DNA damage, the activity of xanthine oxidoreductase influencing the level of free radicals, bioenergetic status, phospholipids profile and formation of 1H-NMR-visible mobile lipid domains in Ehrlich carcinoma cells. The efficiency of the proposed marker system was tested in vivo and in vitro with the use of C60 fullerene nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Our data suggest that multiwalled carbon nanotubes and fullerene C60 may pose genotoxic effect, change energy metabolism and membrane structure, alter free radical level via xanthine oxidase activation and cause mobile lipid domains formation as determined in vivo and in vitro studies on Ehrlich carcinoma cells.

Improved low-cost, non-hazardous, all-iron cell for the developing world

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tucker, Michael C.; Lambelet, David; Oueslati, Mohamed; Williams, Benjamin; Wang, Wu-Chieh Jerry; Weber, Adam Z.

2016-11-01

A low-cost, non-hazardous personal-power system based on an aqueous all-iron electrochemical cell is demonstrated. The system is intended to be assembled and operated by developing-world households that lack sufficient access to electricity, thereby enabling LED lighting or mobile phone charging on demand. Lab-scale hardware is used to assess the performance of individual cell components. It is found that coffee filter paper is an effective low-cost separator. Carbon felt is a low-cost electrode material, and its performance and wetting by the electrolyte solution is greatly improved by pre-treatment with sulfuric acid. The carbon felt does not degrade after a week of daily use. By using these components, performance of the system is significantly improved over the previous baseline, with power density more than doubling to 40 mW cm-2, and iron utilization improving from 78% to 88%. The operating cost is estimated to be less than US0.03 per mobile phone charge. Based on the lab-scale results, a stand-alone prototype consumer product is designed, fabricated, and tested. It successfully provides 2.5 h of LED illumination while consuming 200 mL of electrolyte solution via gravity feed. We anticipate these results will enable deployment of this innovative system to energy-impoverished individuals in the developing world.

Is mobile phone radiation genotoxic? An analysis of micronucleus frequency in exfoliated buccal cells.

PubMed

de Oliveira, F M; Carmona, A M; Ladeira, C

2017-10-01

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are classified as "possibly carcinogenic" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Some publications have reported associations between EMF exposure and DNA damage, but many other studies contradict such findings. Cytomorphological changes, such as micronuclei (MN), indicative of genomic damage, are biomarkers of genotoxicity. To test whether mobile phone-associated EMF exposure affects the MN frequency in exfoliated buccal cells, we obtained cells smears from the left and right inner cheeks of healthy mobile phone users, aged 18-30 (n=86), who also completed a characterization survey. MN frequencies were tested for potential confounding factors and for duration of phone use and preferential side of mobile phone use. No relationship was observed between MN frequency and duration of mobile phone use in daily calls. Cells ipsilateral to mobile phone use did not present a statistically significantly higher MN frequency, compared to cells contralateral to exposure. A highly statistically significant (p<0.0001) increase in MN frequency was found in subjects reporting regular exposure to genotoxic agents. Therefore, our results suggest that mobile phone-associated EMF do not to induce MN formation in buccal cells at the observed exposure levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lecture Rule No. 1: Cell Phones ON, Please! A Low-Cost Personal Response System for Learning and Teaching

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Albert W. M.; Ng, Joseph K. Y.; Wong, Eva Y. W.; Tan, Alfred; Lau, April K. Y.; Lai, Stephen F. Y.

2013-01-01

phone, that can be used to replace the "clicker" as a personal response device. Our mobile phone-based response system (iQlickers) collects and analyzes the answers or opinions sent in by the students as SMS (short message service) messages. The statistic of the…

Effect of passage number on electrophoretic mobility distributions of cultured human embryonic kidney cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kunze, M. E.

1985-01-01

A systematic investigation was undertaken to characterize population shifts that occur in cultured human embryonic kidney cells as a function of passage number in vitro after original explantation. This approach to cell population shift analysis follows the suggestion of Mehreshi, Klein and Revesz that perturbed cell populations can be characterized by electrophoretic mobility distributions if they contain subpopulations with different electrophoretic mobilities. It was shown that this is the case with early passage cultured human embryo cells.

Imaging cytometry in a plastic ultra-mobile system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez Vázquez, R.; Trotta, G.; Paturzo, M.; Volpe, A.; Bernava, G.; Basile, V.; Ancona, A.; Ferraro, P.; Fassi, I.; Osellame, R.

2017-03-01

We present a cost-effective and highly-portable plastic prototype that can be interfaced with a cell phone to implement an optofluidic imaging cytometry platform. It is based on a PMMA microfluidic chip that fits inside an opto-mechanical platform fabricated by a 3D printer. The fluorescence excitation and imaging is performed using the LED and the CMOS from the cell phone increasing the compactness of the system. A custom developed application is used to analyze the images and provide a value of particle concentration.

Role of Mesenchymal-Derived Stem Cells in Stimulating Dormant Tumor Cells to Proliferate and Form Clinical Metastases

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

in this assay was IL6. We next confirmed that IL6 is elevated under these in vitro conditions using an ELISA -based system (Fig 1). We are now...plan to investigate the role of IL6 in mobilization or maturation of MSCs to enhance the dormant-to-proliferative switch. Figure 1. ELISA validation

Energy Storage Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Jankovsky, Amy L.; Reid, Concha M.; Miller, Thomas B.; Hoberecht, Mark A.

2011-01-01

NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program funded the Energy Storage Project to develop battery and fuel cell technology to meet the expected energy storage needs of the Constellation Program for human exploration. Technology needs were determined by architecture studies and risk assessments conducted by the Constellation Program, focused on a mission for a long-duration lunar outpost. Critical energy storage needs were identified as batteries for EVA suits, surface mobility systems, and a lander ascent stage; fuel cells for the lander and mobility systems; and a regenerative fuel cell for surface power. To address these needs, the Energy Storage Project developed advanced lithium-ion battery technology, targeting cell-level safety and very high specific energy and energy density. Key accomplishments include the development of silicon composite anodes, lithiated-mixed-metal-oxide cathodes, low-flammability electrolytes, and cell-incorporated safety devices that promise to substantially improve battery performance while providing a high level of safety. The project also developed "non-flow-through" proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell stacks. The primary advantage of this technology set is the reduction of ancillary parts in the balance-of-plant--fewer pumps, separators and related components should result in fewer failure modes and hence a higher probability of achieving very reliable operation, and reduced parasitic power losses enable smaller reactant tanks and therefore systems with lower mass and volume. Key accomplishments include the fabrication and testing of several robust, small-scale nonflow-through fuel cell stacks that have demonstrated proof-of-concept. This report summarizes the project s goals, objectives, technical accomplishments, and risk assessments. A bibliography spanning the life of the project is also included.

[The relationship between the sympathetic nerves and immunocytes in the spleen].

PubMed

Saito, H

1991-02-01

Ever since Galen, the ancient Greek physician, said "Melancholic women develop disease more than sanguine women," it has been said that the mental condition affects the physical condition. However, there is hardly any scientific verification. About half a century ago, Selye (1936) proposed a relationship between stress and immune function, and it is becoming increasingly clear that the nervous system and immune system interact with each other. Also researchers have strongly hoped to demonstrate the existence of specific pathways by which immunocytes can be directly regulated by the nervous elements instead of by the humoral influence of immunomodulators. In this study, the author showed by electron microscopic observation how the immunocytes in the guinea pig spleen are directly innervated. The sustentacular supporting element of the guinea pig spleen is the connective tissue system which includes the capsulo-trabecular, peri-vascular and reticular systems. The latter system is composed of the outer sheath of the reticular cell or its cellular processes which have abundant microfilaments and the inner minute connective tissue space in which lamina densa-like material, collagenous fibrils, elastic fibers and nervous elements are present. The sympathetic adrenergic nerves for the spleen enter the organ, and scatter around the arterial walls. All components of the connective tissue system are continuous with each other, and the nervous elements appearing in the reticular system are the elongated ones from other connective tissue systems, especially peri-vascular connective tissue. Thus, the adrenergic nerves are more abundant in the white pulp, into which the central artery penetrates, than in the red pulp which arterioles or capillaries pass through. The minute connective tissue space of the reticular system may be called the noradrenalin (NA) canal because catecholamine released from the naked adrenergic nerve terminals in this tissue diffuses and is stored in this enclosed space. The reticular system in the spleen divides the parenchyma into small non-endothelial vascular spaces owing to its meshwork, and free mobile immunocytes, such as T-cells, B-cells and macrophages, stagnate in these spaces. This stagnation of the mobile immunocytes and the presence of the adrenergic nerves in the NA canals provide the chance for the immunocytes and nerves to meet each other in the following fashion; the reticular cell sheaths show the exposed phenomena owing to the contraction of the microfilament-rich reticular cell processes, caused by noradrenalin in the NA canal, and the nervous elements in the NA canals can face the nonendothelial vascular spaces where mobile immunocytes pass freely.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Mobile phones radiate--risk to the health?].

PubMed

Jokela, Kari; Auvinen, Anssi; Hämäläinen, Heikki

2011-01-01

The mobile phones radiate electromagnetic energy which is partly absorbed into the tissues in the vicinity of the phone. The minor heating, in maximum up to 0.3 degrees C, may cause some alterations in the expression of genes and proteins similar to physiological response to other stimuli. Biophysical studies at the cellular and molecular level have not revealed any well established interaction mechanism, through which mobile phone radiation could induce toxic effects below the thermal effect level. Research results on various biological effects in vitro and in vivo are continuously published but there is no consistent evidence on well established harmful effects. The mobile phone radiation is not carcinogenic for experimental animals or genotoxic for cells. According to epidemiological studies and psychophysiological brain function studies the use of mobile phones does not seem to increase the risk of tumors in the head and brain or disturb the function of central nervous system. However, there is a need for more research on the long-term effects of mobile phone radiation particularly on children.

Unsupervised user similarity mining in GSM sensor networks.

PubMed

Shad, Shafqat Ali; Chen, Enhong

2013-01-01

Mobility data has attracted the researchers for the past few years because of its rich context and spatiotemporal nature, where this information can be used for potential applications like early warning system, route prediction, traffic management, advertisement, social networking, and community finding. All the mentioned applications are based on mobility profile building and user trend analysis, where mobility profile building is done through significant places extraction, user's actual movement prediction, and context awareness. However, significant places extraction and user's actual movement prediction for mobility profile building are a trivial task. In this paper, we present the user similarity mining-based methodology through user mobility profile building by using the semantic tagging information provided by user and basic GSM network architecture properties based on unsupervised clustering approach. As the mobility information is in low-level raw form, our proposed methodology successfully converts it to a high-level meaningful information by using the cell-Id location information rather than previously used location capturing methods like GPS, Infrared, and Wifi for profile mining and user similarity mining.

CXCL9 and CXCL10 expression are critical for control of genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection through mobilization of HSV-specific CTL and NK cells to the nervous system1

PubMed Central

Thapa, Manoj; Welner, Robert S.; Pelayo, Rosana; Carr, Daniel J.J.

2007-01-01

CXCL9 and CXCL10 mediate the recruitment of T lymphocytes and NK cells known to be important in viral surveillance. The relevance of CXCL10 in comparison to CXCL9 in response to genital HSV-2 infection was determined using mice deficient in CXCL9 (CXCL9−/−) and CXCL10 (CXCL10−/−) along with wild type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. An increased sensitivity to infection was found in CXCL10−/− mice in comparison to CXCL9−/− or WT mice as determined by detection of HSV-2 in the central nervous system (CNS) at day 3 post infection. However, by day 7 post infection both CXCL9−/− & CXCL10−/−mice possessed significantly higher viral titers in the CNS in comparison to WT mice consistent with mortality (18–35%) of these mice within the first 7 days after infection. Even though CXCL9−/− and CXCL10−/− mice expressed elevated levels of CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, and CXCL1 in the spinal cord in comparison to WT mice, there was a reduction in NK cell and virus-specific CD8+ T cell mobilization to this tissue suggesting CXCL9 and CXCL10 are critical for recruitment of these effector cells to the spinal cord following genital HSV-2 infection. Moreover, leukocytes from the spinal cord but not draining lymph nodes or spleens of infected CXCL9−/− or CXCL10−/− mice displayed reduced CTL activity in comparison to effector cells from WT mice. Thus, the absence of CXCL9 or CXCL10 expression significantly alters the ability of the host to control genital HSV-2 infection through the mobilization of effector cells to sites of infection. PMID:18178850

Poor Mobilization in T-Cell-Deficient Nude Mice is Explained by Defective Activation of Granulocytes and Monocytes

PubMed Central

Wysoczynski, Marcin; Adamiak, Mateusz; Suszynska, Malwina; Abdel-Latif, Ahmed; Ratajczak, Janina; Ratajczak, Mariusz Z.

2017-01-01

It has been reported that both SCID mice and SCID patients poorly mobilize hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). This defect has been proposed to result from a lack of naturally occurring IgM immunoglobulins to trigger activation of the complement cascade (ComC) and release of C5 cleavage fragments crucial in the mobilization process. However, SCID individuals also have T-cell deficiency, and T cells have been shown to modulate trafficking of HSPCs. To learn more about the role of T lymphocytes, we performed mobilization studies in T-lymphocyte-deficient nude mice and found that these mice respond poorly to G-CSF and zymosan but are normal mobilizers in response to AMD3100. Since nude mice have normal levels of IgM immunoglobulins in peripheral blood and may activate the ComC, we focused on the potential involvement of Gr1+ granulocytes and monocytes, which show defective maturation in these animals. Using a nude mouse mobilization model, we found further support for the proposition that proper function of Gr1+ cells is crucial for optimal mobilization of HSPCs. PMID:27436627

Poor Mobilization in T-Cell-Deficient Nude Mice Is Explained by Defective Activation of Granulocytes and Monocytes.

PubMed

Wysoczynski, Marcin; Adamiak, Mateusz; Suszynska, Malwina; Abdel-Latif, Ahmed; Ratajczak, Janina; Ratajczak, Mariusz Z

2017-01-24

It has been reported that both SCID mice and SCID patients poorly mobilize hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). This defect has been proposed to result from a lack of naturally occurring IgM immunoglobulins to trigger activation of the complement cascade (ComC) and release of C5 cleavage fragments crucial in the mobilization process. However, SCID individuals also have T-cell deficiency, and T cells have been shown to modulate trafficking of HSPCs. To learn more about the role of T lymphocytes, we performed mobilization studies in T-lymphocyte-deficient nude mice and found that these mice respond poorly to G-CSF and zymosan but are normal mobilizers in response to AMD3100. Since nude mice have normal levels of IgM immunoglobulins in peripheral blood and may activate the ComC, we focused on the potential involvement of Gr1+ granulocytes and monocytes, which show defective maturation in these animals. Using a nude mouse mobilization model, we found further support for the proposition that proper function of Gr1+ cells is crucial for optimal mobilization of HSPCs.

Managing healthcare information using short message service (SMS) in wireless broadband networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Documet, Jorge; Tsao, Sinchai; Documet, Luis; Liu, Brent J.; Zhou, Zheng; Joseph, Anika O.

2007-03-01

Due to the ubiquity of cell phones, SMS (Short Message Service) has become an ideal means to wirelessly manage a Healthcare environment and in particular PACS (Picture Archival and Communications System) data. SMS is a flexible and mobile method for real-time access and control of Healthcare information systems such as HIS (Hospital Information System) or PACS. Unlike conventional wireless access methods, SMS' mobility is not limited by the presence of a WiFi network or any other localized signal. It provides a simple, reliable yet flexible method to communicate with an information system. In addition, SMS services are widely available for low costs from cellular phone service providers and allows for more mobility than other services such as wireless internet. This paper aims to describe a use case of SMS as a means of remotely communicating with a PACS server. Remote access to a PACS server and its Query-Retrieve services allows for a more convenient, flexible and streamlined radiology workflow. Wireless access methods such as SMS will increase dedicated PACS workstation availability for more specialized DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) workflow management. This implementation will address potential security, performance and cost issues of applying SMS as part of a healthcare information management system. This is in an effort to design a wireless communication system with optimal mobility and flexibility at minimum material and time costs.

Effect of electromagnetic irradiation produced by 3G mobile phone on male rat reproductive system in a simulated scenario.

PubMed

Kumar, Sanjay; Nirala, Jay Prakash; Behari, J; Paulraj, R

2014-09-01

Reports of declining male fertility have renewed interest in assessing the role of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Testicular function is particularly susceptible to the radiation emitted by EMFs. Significant decrease in sperm count, increase in the lipid peroxidation damage in sperm cells, reduction in seminiferous tubules and testicular weight and DNA damage were observed following exposure to EMF in male albino rats. The results suggest that mobile phone exposure adversely affects male fertility.

MR-Visible Lipids and the Tumor Microenvironment

PubMed Central

Delikatny, E. James; Chawla, Sanjeev; Leung, Daniel-Joseph; Poptani, Harish

2013-01-01

MR-visible lipids or mobile lipids are defined as lipids that are observable using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in cells and in tissues. These MR-visible lipids are composed of triglycerides and cholesterol esters that accumulate in intracellular neutral lipid droplets, where their MR visibility is conferred as a result of the increased molecular motion available in this unique physical environment. This review will discuss factors that lead to the biogenesis of MR-visible lipids in cancer cells and in other cell types such as immune cells and fibroblasts. We focus on the accumulations of mobile lipids that are inducible in cultured cells by a number of stresses, including culture conditions and in response to activating stimuli or apoptotic cell death induced by anticancer drugs. This is compared with animal tumor models, where increases in mobile lipids are observed in response to chemo and radiotherapy, and to human tumors where mobile lipids are observed predominantly in high-grade brain tumors and in regions of necrosis. Conducive conditions for mobile lipid formation in the tumor microenvironment will be discussed including low pH, oxygen availability and the presence of inflammatory cells. It is concluded that MR-visible lipids appear in cancer cells and human tumors as a stress response. Mobile lipids stored as neutral lipid droplets may play a role in detoxification of the cell or act as an alternate energy source, especially in cancer cells, which often grow in ischemic/hypoxic environments. The role of MR-visible lipids in cancer diagnosis and assessment of treatment response both in animal models of cancer as well as human brain tumors will also be discussed. Although technical limitations exist in the accurate detection of intratumoral mobile lipids, early increases in mobile lipids after therapeutic interventions may be used as a potential biomarker for assessing treatment response in cancer. PMID:21538631

Network flexibility of the IRIDIUM (R) Global Mobile Satellite System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hutcheson, Jonathan; Laurin, Mala

1995-01-01

The IRIDIUM system is a global personal communications system supported by a constellation of 66 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and a collection of earth-based 'gateway' switching installations. Like traditional wireless cellular systems, coverage is achieved by a grid of cells in which bandwidth is reused for spectral efficiency. Unlike any cellular system ever built, the moving cells can be shared by multiple switching facilities. Noteworthy features of the IRIDIUM system include inter-satellite links, a GSM-based telephony architecture, and a geographically controlled system access process. These features, working in concert, permit flexible and reliable administration of the worldwide service area by gateway operators. This paper will explore this unique concept.

Analysis of proteome response to the mobile phone radiation in two types of human primary endothelial cells.

PubMed

Nylund, Reetta; Kuster, Niels; Leszczynski, Dariusz

2010-10-18

Use of mobile phones has widely increased over the past decade. However, in spite of the extensive research, the question of potential health effects of the mobile phone radiation remains unanswered. We have earlier proposed, and applied, proteomics as a tool to study biological effects of the mobile phone radiation, using as a model human endothelial cell line EA.hy926. Exposure of EA.hy926 cells to 900 MHz GSM radiation has caused statistically significant changes in expression of numerous proteins. However, exposure of EA.hy926 cells to 1800 MHz GSM signal had only very small effect on cell proteome, as compared with 900 MHz GSM exposure. In the present study, using as model human primary endothelial cells, we have examined whether exposure to 1800 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation can affect cell proteome. Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells and primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells were exposed for 1 hour to 1800 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation at an average specific absorption rate of 2.0 W/kg. The cells were harvested immediately after the exposure and the protein expression patterns of the sham-exposed and radiation-exposed cells were examined using two dimensional difference gel electrophoresis-based proteomics (2DE-DIGE). There were observed numerous differences between the proteomes of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (both sham-exposed). These differences are most likely representing physiological differences between endothelia in different vascular beds. However, the exposure of both types of primary endothelial cells to mobile phone radiation did not cause any statistically significant changes in protein expression. Exposure of primary human endothelial cells to the mobile phone radiation, 1800 MHz GSM signal for 1 hour at an average specific absorption rate of 2.0 W/kg, does not affect protein expression, when the proteomes were examined immediately after the end of the exposure and when the false discovery rate correction was applied to analysis. This observation agrees with our earlier study showing that the 1800 MHz GSM radiation exposure had only very limited effect on the proteome of human endothelial cell line EA.hy926, as compared with the effect of 900 MHz GSM radiation.

Method for Evaluation of Outage Probability on Random Access Channel in Mobile Communication Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kollár, Martin

2012-05-01

In order to access the cell in all mobile communication technologies a so called random-access procedure is used. For example in GSM this is represented by sending the CHANNEL REQUEST message from Mobile Station (MS) to Base Transceiver Station (BTS) which is consequently forwarded as an CHANNEL REQUIRED message to the Base Station Controller (BSC). If the BTS decodes some noise on the Random Access Channel (RACH) as random access by mistake (so- called ‘phantom RACH') then it is a question of pure coincidence which èstablishment cause’ the BTS thinks to have recognized. A typical invalid channel access request or phantom RACH is characterized by an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT procedure (assignment of an SDCCH or TCH) which is not followed by sending an ESTABLISH INDICATION from MS to BTS. In this paper a mathematical model for evaluation of the Power RACH Busy Threshold (RACHBT) in order to guaranty in advance determined outage probability on RACH is described and discussed as well. It focuses on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) however the obtained results can be generalized on remaining mobile technologies (ie WCDMA and LTE).

Electro-optical modeling of bulk heterojunction solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirchartz, Thomas; Pieters, Bart E.; Taretto, Kurt; Rau, Uwe

2008-11-01

We introduce a model for charge separation in bulk heterojunction solar cells that combines exciton transport to the interface between donor and acceptor phases with the dissociation of the bound electron/hole pair. We implement this model into a standard semiconductor device simulator, thereby creating a convenient method to simulate the optical and electrical characteristics of a bulk heterojunction solar cell with a commercially available program. By taking into account different collection probabilities for the excitons in the polymer and the fullerene, we are able to reproduce absorptance, internal and external quantum efficiency, as well as current/voltage curves of bulk heterojunction solar cells. We further investigate the influence of mobilities of the free excitons as well as the mobilities of the free charge carriers on the performance of bulk heterojunction solar cells. We find that, in general, the highest efficiencies are achieved with the highest mobilities. However, an optimum finite mobility of free charge carriers can result from a large recombination velocity at the contacts. In contrast, Langevin-type of recombination cannot lead to finite optimum mobilities even though this mechanism has a strong dependence on the free carrier mobilities.

Qualitative evaluation of a mobile phone and web-based collaborative care intervention for patients with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Lyles, Courtney Rees; Harris, Lynne T; Le, Tung; Flowers, Jan; Tufano, James; Britt, Diane; Hoath, James; Hirsch, Irl B; Goldberg, Harold I; Ralston, James D

2011-05-01

Drawing on previous web-based diabetes management programs based on the Chronic Care Model, we expanded an intervention to include care management through mobile phones and a game console web browser. The pilot intervention enrolled eight diabetes patients from the University of Washington in Seattle into a collaborative care program: connecting them to a care provider specializing in diabetes, providing access to their full electronic medical record, allowing wireless glucose uploads and e-mail with providers, and connecting them to the program's web services through a game system. To evaluate the study, we conducted qualitative thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. Participants expressed frustrations with using the cell phones and the game system in their everyday lives, but liked the wireless system for collaborating with a provider on uploaded glucoses and receiving automatic feedback on their blood sugar trends. A majority of participants also expressed that their participation in the trial increased their health awareness. Mobile communication technologies showed promise within a web-based collaborative care program for type 2 diabetes. Future intervention design should focus on integrating easy-to-use applications within mobile technologies already familiar to patients and ensure the system allows for sufficient collaboration with a care provider.

Extraction of Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen from Seawater by an Electrochemical Acidification Cell. Part 3. Scaled-up Mobile Unit Studies (Calendar Year 2011)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-30

Electrochemical Acidification Cell Part III: Scaled-up Mobile Unit Studies (Calendar Year 2011) May 30, 2012 Approved for public release; distribution is...Hydrogen from Seawater by an Electrochemical Acidification Cell Part III: Scaled-up Mobile Unit Studies (Calendar Year 2011) Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R...Unclassified Unlimited Unclassified Unlimited Unclassified Unlimited 41 Heather D. Willauer (202) 767-2673 Electrochemical acidification cell Carbon

G-CSF plus preemptive plerixafor vs hyperfractionated CY plus G-CSF for autologous stem cell mobilization in multiple myeloma: effectiveness, safety and cost analysis.

PubMed

Antar, A; Otrock, Z K; Kharfan-Dabaja, M A; Ghaddara, H A; Kreidieh, N; Mahfouz, R; Bazarbachi, A

2015-06-01

The optimal stem cell mobilization regimen for patients with multiple myeloma (MM) remains undefined. We retrospectively compared our experience in hematopoietic cell mobilization in 83 MM patients using fractionated high-dose CY and G-CSF with G-CSF plus preemptive plerixafor. All patients in the CY group (n=56) received fractionated high-dose CY (5 g/m(2) divided into five doses of 1 g/m(2) every 3 h) with G-CSF. All patients in the plerixafor group (n=27) received G-CSF and plerixafor preemptively based on an established algorithm. Compared with plerixafor, CY use was associated with higher total CD34+ cell yield (7.5 × 10(6) vs 15.5 × 10(6) cells/kg, P=0.005). All patients in both groups yielded ⩾4 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. Conversely, CY use was associated with high frequency of febrile neutropenia, blood and platelet transfusions need and hospitalizations. The average total cost of mobilization in Lebanon was slightly higher in the plerixafor group ($7886 vs $7536; P=0.16). Our data indicate robust stem cell mobilization in MM patients with either fractionated high-dose CY and G-CSF or G-CSF alone with preemptive plerixafor. The chemo-mobilization approach was associated with twofold stem cell yield, slightly lower cost but significantly increased toxicity.

Notch2 blockade enhances hematopoietic stem cell mobilization and homing.

PubMed

Wang, Weihuan; Yu, Shuiliang; Myers, Jay; Wang, Yiwei; Xin, William W; Albakri, Marwah; Xin, Alison W; Li, Ming; Huang, Alex Y; Xin, Wei; Siebel, Christian W; Lazarus, Hillard M; Zhou, Lan

2017-10-01

Despite use of newer approaches, some patients being considered for autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) may only mobilize limited numbers of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) into blood, precluding use of the procedure, or being placed at increased risk of complications due to slow hematopoietic reconstitution. Developing more efficacious HPC mobilization regimens and strategies may enhance the mobilization process and improve patient outcome. Although Notch signaling is not essential for homeostasis of adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), Notch-ligand adhesive interaction maintains HSC quiescence and niche retention. Using Notch receptor blocking antibodies, we report that Notch2 blockade, but not Notch1 blockade, sensitizes hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors (HSPCs) to mobilization stimuli and leads to enhanced egress from marrow to the periphery. Notch2 blockade leads to transient myeloid progenitor expansion without affecting HSC homeostasis and self-renewal. We show that transient Notch2 blockade or Notch2-loss in mice lacking Notch2 receptor lead to decreased CXCR4 expression by HSC but increased cell cycling with CXCR4 transcription being directly regulated by the Notch transcriptional protein RBPJ. In addition, we found that Notch2-blocked or Notch2-deficient marrow HSPCs show an increased homing to the marrow, while mobilized Notch2-blocked, but not Notch2-deficient stem cells and progenitors, displayed a competitive repopulating advantage and enhanced hematopoietic reconstitution. These findings suggest that blocking Notch2 combined with the current clinical regimen may further enhance HPC mobilization and improve engraftment during HCT. Copyright© 2017 Ferrata Storti Foundation.

Impaired endothelial progenitor cell mobilization and dysfunctional bone marrow stroma in diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Westerweel, Peter E; Teraa, Martin; Rafii, Shahin; Jaspers, Janneke E; White, Ian A; Hooper, Andrea T; Doevendans, Pieter A; Verhaar, Marianne C

2013-01-01

Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cell (EPC) levels are reduced in diabetes mellitus. This may be a consequence of impaired mobilization of EPC from the bone marrow. We hypothesized that under diabetic conditions, mobilization of EPC from the bone marrow to the circulation is impaired -at least partly- due to dysfunction of the bone marrow stromal compartment. Diabetes was induced in mice by streptozotocin injection. Circulating Sca-1(+)Flk-1(+) EPC were characterized and quantified by flow cytometry at baseline and after mobilization with G-CSF/SCF injections. In vivo hemangiogenic recovery was tested by 5-FU challenge. Interaction within the bone marrow environment between CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) and supporting stroma was assessed by co-cultures. To study progenitor cell-endothelial cell interaction under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions, a co-culture model using E4Orf1-transfected human endothelial cells was employed. In diabetic mice, bone marrow EPC levels were unaffected. However, circulating EPC levels in blood were lower at baseline and mobilization was attenuated. Diabetic mice failed to recover and repopulate from 5-FU injection. In vitro, primary cultured bone marrow stroma from diabetic mice was impaired in its capacity to support human CFU-forming HPC. Finally, hyperglycemia hampered the HPC supportive function of endothelial cells in vitro. EPC mobilization is impaired under experimental diabetic conditions and our data suggest that diabetes induces alterations in the progenitor cell supportive capacity of the bone marrow stroma, which could be partially responsible for the attenuated EPC mobilization and reduced EPC levels observed in diabetic patients.

Integrating cell phones and mobile technologies into public health practice: a social marketing perspective.

PubMed

Lefebvre, Craig

2009-10-01

Mobile communications are being used for many purposes, from instant messaging (IM), mobile or microblogging (Twitter), social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace), e-mail to basic voicemail. A brief background on cell phone and mobile technology use in public health is reviewed. The focus of the article is framing the use of mobile technologies in public health from a social marketer's perspective--using the 4 Ps marketing mix as a guide.

Retrospective comparison of filgrastim plus plerixafor to other regimens for remobilization after primary mobilization failure: clinical and economic outcomes.

PubMed

Perkins, Janelle B; Shapiro, Jamie F; Bookout, Ryan N; Yee, Gary C; Anasetti, Claudio; Janssen, William E; Fernandez, Hugo F

2012-07-01

We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate clinical and economic outcomes in patients receiving remobilization therapy after primary mobilization failure. Our primary endpoint was to compare filgrastim plus plerixafor to other regimens in their ability to collect a target cell dose of at least 2 million CD34+ cells/kg (cumulative). Of 96 consecutive patients who failed their primary mobilization therapy and in whom a second mobilization was attempted, remobilization consisted of filgrastim plus plerixafor (n = 38), filgrastim with or without sargramostim (n = 43), or chemotherapy plus filgrastim (n = 15), 84% of filgrastim/plerixafor patients were able to collect at least 2 million CD34+ cells/kg from both mobilizations, compared to 60% of patients mobilized with chemotherapy/filgrastim and 79% of the filgrastim ± sargramostim patients (P = 0.17). However, when combined with cells collected from the first mobilization, 53% of filgrastim/plerixafor patients reached the target of 2 million CD34+ cells in one apheresis, compared to 20% of those receiving chemotherapy/filgrastim and 28% of those receiving filgrastim ± sargramostim (P = 0.02). Resource utilization, mobilization drug costs, clinical care costs, and total costs were significantly different. We conclude that while filgrastim/plerixafor is the most efficient remobilization strategy, those clinical benefits may not translate into lower cost, especially when multiple days of plerixafor administration are required. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measuring the complete cross-cell carrier mobility distributions in bulk heterojunction solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seifter, Jason; Sun, Yanming; Choi, Hyosung; Lee, Byoung Hoon; Heeger, Alan

2015-03-01

Carbon nanotube-enabled, vertical, organic field effect transistors (CN-VFETs) based on the small molecule dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (DNTT) have demonstrated high current, low-power operation suitable for driving active matix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. This performance is achieved without the need for costly high-resolution patterning, despite the low mobility of the organic semiconductor, by employing sub-micron channel widths, defined in the vertical devices by the thickness of the semiconducting layer. Replacing the thermally evaporated small molecule semiconductor with a solution-processed polymer would possibly further simplify the fabrication process and reduce manufacturing cost. Here we investigate several polymer systems as wide bandgap semiconducting channel layers for potentially air stable and transparent CN-VFETs. The field effect mobility and optical transparency of the polymer layers are determined, and the performance and air stability of CN-VFET devices are measured. A. S. gratefully acknowledges support from the National Science Foundation under DMR-1156737.

Nerve cell damage in mammalian brain after exposure to microwaves from GSM mobile phones.

PubMed

Salford, Leif G; Brun, Arne E; Eberhardt, Jacob L; Malmgren, Lars; Persson, Bertil R R

2003-06-01

The possible risks of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields for the human body is a growing concern for our society. We have previously shown that weak pulsed microwaves give rise to a significant leakage of albumin through the blood-brain barrier. In this study we investigated whether a pathologic leakage across the blood-brain barrier might be combined with damage to the neurons. Three groups each of eight rats were exposed for 2 hr to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) mobile phone electromagnetic fields of different strengths. We found highly significant (p< 0.002) evidence for neuronal damage in the cortex, hippocampus, and basal ganglia in the brains of exposed rats.

Norepinephrine reuptake inhibition promotes mobilization in mice: potential impact to rescue low stem cell yields

PubMed Central

Lucas, Daniel; Bruns, Ingmar; Battista, Michela; Mendez-Ferrer, Simon; Magnon, Claire; Kunisaki, Yuya

2012-01-01

The mechanisms mediating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization by G-CSF are complex. We have found previously that G-CSF–enforced mobilization is controlled by peripheral sympathetic nerves via norepinephrine (NE) signaling. In the present study, we show that G-CSF likely alters sympathetic tone directly and that methods to increase adrenergic activity in the BM microenvironment enhance progenitor mobilization. Peripheral sympathetic nerve neurons express the G-CSF receptor and ex vivo stimulation of peripheral sympathetic nerve neurons with G-CSF reduced NE reuptake significantly, suggesting that G-CSF potentiates the sympathetic tone by increasing NE availability. Based on these data, we investigated the NE reuptake inhibitor desipramine in HSPC mobilization. Whereas desipramine did not by itself elicit circulating HSPCs, it increased G-CSF–triggered mobilization efficiency significantly and rescued mobilization in a model mimicking “poor mobilizers.” Therefore, these data suggest that blockade of NE reuptake may be a novel therapeutic target to increase stem cell yield in patients. PMID:22422821

Long life Regenerative Fuel Cell technology development plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Littman, Franklin D.; Cataldo, Robert L.; Mcelroy, James F.; Stedman, Jay K.

1992-01-01

This paper summarizes a technology roadmap for completing advanced development of a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Regenerative Fuel Cell (RFC) to meet long life (20,000 hrs at 50 percent duty cycle) mobile or portable power system applications on the surface of the moon and Mars. Development of two different sized RFC power system modules is included in this plan (3 and 7.5 kWe). A conservative approach was taken which includes the development of a Ground Engineering System, Qualification Unit, and Flight Unit. This paper includes a concept description, technology assessment, development issues, development tasks, and development schedule.

Intrinsic and extrinsic contributors to defective CD8+ T cell responses with aging.

PubMed

Jergović, Mladen; Smithey, Megan J; Nikolich-Žugich, Janko

2018-05-01

Aging has a profound effect on the immune system, and both innate and adaptive arms of the immune system show functional decline with age. In response to infection with intracellular microorganisms, old animals mobilize decreased numbers of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells with reduced production of effector molecules and impaired cytolytic activity. However, the CD8+ T cell-intrinsic contribution to, and molecular mechanisms behind, these defects remain unclear. In this review we will discuss the mechanistic contributions of age related changes in the CD8+ T cell pool and the relative roles of intrinsic functional defects in aged CD8+ T cells vs. defects in the aged environment initiating the CD8+ T cell response. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization with "just-in-time" plerixafor approach is a cost-effective alternative to routine plerixafor use.

PubMed

Veltri, Lauren; Cumpston, Aaron; Shillingburg, Alexandra; Wen, Sijin; Luo, Jin; Leadmon, Sonia; Watkins, Kathy; Craig, Michael; Hamadani, Mehdi; Kanate, Abraham S

2015-12-01

Hematopoietic cell mobilization with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor results in superior CD34+ cell yield compared with G-CSF alone in patients with myeloma and lymphoma. However, plerixafor-based approaches may be associated with high costs. Several institutions use a "just-in-time" plerixafor approach, in which plerixafor is only administered to patients likely to fail mobilization with G-CSF alone. Whether such an approach is cost-effective is unknown. We evaluated 136 patients with myeloma or lymphoma who underwent mobilization with 2 approaches of plerixafor utilization. Between January 2010 and October 2012, 76 patients uniformly received mobilization with G-CSF and plerixafor. Between November 2012 and June 2014, 60 patients were mobilized with plerixafor administered only to those patients likely to fail mobilization with G-CSF alone. The routine plerixafor group had a higher median peak peripheral blood CD34+ cell count (62 versus 29 cells/μL, P < 0.001) and a higher median day 1 CD34+ yield (2.9 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg versus 2.1 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg, P = 0.001). The median total CD34+ collection was higher with routine plerixafor use (5.8 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg versus 4.5 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg, P = 0.007). In the "just-in-time" group, 40% (n = 24) completed adequate collection without plerixafor. There was no difference in mobilization failure rates. The mean plerixafor doses used was lower with "just-in-time" approach (1.3 versus 2.1, P = 0.0002). The mean estimated cost in the routine plerixafor group was higher (USD 27,513 versus USD 23,597, P = 0.01). Our analysis demonstrates that mobilization with a just-in-time plerixafor approach is a safe, effective, and cost-efficient strategy for HPC collection. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Interactions between neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) and the substance P (NK1) receptor expressed in mammalian cells.

PubMed Central

Okamoto, A; Lovett, M; Payan, D G; Bunnett, N W

1994-01-01

Interactions between neutral endopeptidase-24.11 (NEP) and the substance P receptor (SPR; NK1) were investigated by examining substance P (SP) degradation, SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization in epithelial cells transfected with cDNA encoding the rat SPR and rat NEP. Expression of NEP accelerated the degradation of SP by intact epithelial cells and by membrane preparations, and degradation was reduced by the NEP inhibitor thiorphan. In cells expressing SPR alone, specific 125I-SP binding after 20 min incubation at 37 degrees C was 92.2 +/- 3.1% of maximal binding and was unaffected by thiorphan. Coexpression of NEP in the same cells as the SPR markedly reduced SP binding to 13.9 +/- 0.5% of maximal, and binding was increased to 82.7 +/- 2.4% of maximal with thiorphan. Coexpression of NEP in the same cells as the SPR also reduced to undetectable the increase in intracellular Ca2+ in response to low concentrations of SP (0.3 and 0.5 nM), and significantly reduced the response to higher concentrations (1 and 3 nM). The Ca2+ response was restored to control values by inhibition of NEP with thiorphan. In contrast, SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization were only slightly reduced when cells expressing SPR alone were mixed with a 3- to 24-fold excess of cells expressing NEP alone. Therefore, in this system, NEP markedly down-regulates SP binding and SP-induced Ca2+ mobilization only when coexpressed in the same cells as the SPR. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:7514869

Evaluation of the spectra Optia® mononuclear cell collection procedure in multiple myeloma patients.

PubMed

Long, Gwynn; Waller, Edmund K; Gregurek, Steven; Tricot, Guido; Marschner, Susanne; Bill, Jerry

2015-02-01

Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) rescue following myeloablative therapy is a mainstay of cancer therapy. To evaluate the ability of the Spectra Optia Apheresis System (SO), a newly developed apheresis device, the device was studied in multiple myeloma patients undergoing a first autologous PBSC transplant. To demonstrate that neutrophil recovery was not inferior to historical controls when SO harvested PBSCs were reinfused following myeloablative therapy. Multiple myeloma patients were mobilized according to the standard practice at four clinical sites. Following mobilization, MNC collections were performed on the SO. The collected cells were cryopreserved and reinfused following myeloablative chemotherapy. Neutrophil recovery defined by an absolute neutrophil count exceeding 500/μL (ANC500) was compared to historical data for patients transplanted following apheresis using the COBE Spectra (CS) device. The median day to neutrophil recovery was 12 days (range 10-14 days), with no significant difference in engraftment comparing patients transplanted with stem cells collected using the SO versus historical cohort of patients collected with the CS. CD34+ cell and MNC collection efficiency (CE) were 69.3% and 65.0% for the SO and CS, respectively. Platelet CE, product hematocrit and product granulocytes (as % of WBCs) using the SO were 21%, 2.3% and 28%, respectively. There were no device-related severe adverse events. The study's results confirm that the Spectra Optia Apheresis System's MNC Collection Protocol is safe and effective for its intended use and that engraftment kinetics of cells collected by SO is not inferior to the CS System. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Blocking 1800 MHz mobile phone radiation-induced reactive oxygen species production and DNA damage in lens epithelial cells by noise magnetic fields].

PubMed

Wu, Wei; Yao, Ke; Wang, Kai-jun; Lu, De-qiang; He, Ji-liang; Xu, Li-hong; Sun, Wen-jun

2008-01-01

To investigate whether the exposure to the electromagnetic noise can block reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA damage of lens epithelial cells induced by 1800 MHz mobile phone radiation. The DCFH-DA method and comet assay were used respectively to detect the intracellular ROS and DNA damage of cultured human lens epithelial cells induced by 4 W/kg 1800 MHz mobile phone radiation or/and 2 muT electromagnetic noise for 24 h intermittently. 1800 MHz mobile phone radiation at 4 W/kg for 24 h increased intracellular ROS and DNA damage significantly (P<0.05). However, the ROS level and DNA damage of mobile phone radiation plus noise group were not significant enhanced (P>0.05) as compared to sham exposure group. Electromagnetic noise can block intracellular ROS production and DNA damage of human lens epithelial cells induced by 1800 MHz mobile phone radiation.

An Approach for Smart Antenna Testbed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawitkar, R. S.; Wakde, D. G.

2003-07-01

The use of wireless, mobile, personal communications services are expanding rapidly. Adaptive or "Smart" antenna arrays can increase channel capacity through spatial division. Adaptive antennas can also track mobile users, improving both signal range and quality. For these reasons, smart antenna systems have attracted widespread interest in the telecommunications industry for applications to third generation wireless systems.This paper aims to design and develop an advanced antennas testbed to serve as a common reference for testing adaptive antenna arrays and signal combining algorithms, as well as complete systems. A flexible suite of off line processing software should be written using matlab to perform system calibration, test bed initialization, data acquisition control, data storage/transfer, off line signal processing and analysis and graph plotting. The goal of this paper is to develop low complexity smart antenna structures for 3G systems. The emphasis will be laid on ease of implementation in a multichannel / multi-user environment. A smart antenna test bed will be developed, and various state-of-the-art DSP structures and algorithms will be investigated.Facing the soaring demand for mobile communications, the use of smart antenna arrays in mobile communications systems to exploit spatial diversity to further improve spectral efficiency has recently received considerable attention. Basically, a smart antenna array comprises a number of antenna elements combined via a beamforming network (amplitude and phase control network). Some of the benefits that can be achieved by using SAS (Smart Antenna System) include lower mobile terminal power consumption, range extension, ISI reduction, higher data rate support, and ease of integration into the existing base station system. In terms of economic benefits, adaptive antenna systems employed at base station, though increases the per base station cost, can increase coverage area of each cell site, thereby reducing the total system cost dramatically - often by more than 50% without compromising the system performance. The testbed can be employed to illustrate enhancement of system capacity and service quality in wireless communications.

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Automated Blood Cell Measurements.

PubMed

Vagdatli, Eleni; Konstandinidou, Vasiliki; Adrianakis, Nikolaos; Tsikopoulos, Ioannis; Tsikopoulos, Alexios; Mitsopoulou, Kyriaki

2014-08-01

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the electromagnetic fields associated with mobile phones and/or laptops interfere with blood cell counts of hematology analyzers. Random blood samples were analyzed on an Aperture Impedance hematology analyzer. The analysis was performed in four ways: (A) without the presence of any mobile phone or portable computer in use, (B) with mobile phones in use (B1: one mobile, B4: four mobiles), (C) with portable computers (laptops) in use (C1: one laptop, C3: three laptops), and (D) with four mobile phones and three laptops in use simultaneously. The results obtained demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in neutrophil, erythrocyte, and platelet count and an increase in lymphocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, and red blood cell distribution width, notably in the B4 group. Despite this statistical significance, in clinical practice, only the red blood cell reduction could be taken into account, as the mean difference between the A and B4 group was 60,000 cells/µL. In group D, the analyzer gave odd results after 11 measurements and finally stopped working. The combined and multiple use of mobile phones and computers affects the function of hematology analyzers, leading to false results. Consequently, the use of such electronic devices must be avoided. © 2014 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

Evidence of Mobilization of Pluripotent Stem Cells into Peripheral Blood of Patients with Myocardial Ischemia

PubMed Central

Abdel-Latif, Ahmed; Zuba-Surma, Ewa K.; Ziada, Khaled M.; Kucia, Magdalena; Cohen, Donald A.; Kaplan, Alan M.; Zant, Gary Van; Selim, Samy; Smyth, Susan S.; Ratajczak, Mariusz Z.

2010-01-01

Objective The ischemic myocardium releases multiple chemotactic factors responsible for the mobilization and recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells to injured myocardium. However, the mobilization of primitive pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) enriched in Very Small Embryonic-Like stem cells (VSELs) in various cardiac ischemic scenarios is not well understood. Methods Fifty four ischemic heart disease patients, including subjects with stable angina, non-ST elevation (NSTME) myocardial infarction (MI) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and twelve matched controls were enrolled. The absolute numbers of circulating stem/primitive cells in samples of peripheral blood (PB) were quantitated by Image Stream Analysis and conventional flow cytometry. Gene expression of PSC (Oct-4 and Nanog), early cardiomyocyte (Nkx-2.5 and GATA-4), and endothelial (vWF) markers was analyzed by real-time PCR. Results The absolute numbers of PSCs, stem cell populations enriched in VSELs and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) present in PB were significantly higher in STEMI patients at presentation and declined over time. There was a corresponding increase in pluripotent, cardiac and endothelial gene expression in unfractionated PB cells and sorted PB-derived primitive CD34+ cells. The absolute numbers of circulating VSELs and HSCs in STEMI correlated negatively with patients' age. Conclusions Myocardial ischemia mobilizes primitive PSCs including pluripotent VSELs into the circulation. The peak of mobilization occurs within 12 hours in patients presenting with STEMI, which may represent a therapeutic window for future clinical applications. Reduced stem cell mobilization with advancing age could explain, in part, the observation that age is associated with poor prognosis in patients with MI. PMID:20800644

Clinical-grade generation of peptide-stimulated CMV/EBV-specific T cells from G-CSF mobilized stem cell grafts.

PubMed

Gary, Regina; Aigner, Michael; Moi, Stephanie; Schaffer, Stefanie; Gottmann, Anja; Maas, Stefanie; Zimmermann, Robert; Zingsem, Jürgen; Strobel, Julian; Mackensen, Andreas; Mautner, Josef; Moosmann, Andreas; Gerbitz, Armin

2018-05-09

A major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aSCT) is the reactivation of herpesviruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Both viruses cause significant mortality and compromise quality of life after aSCT. Preventive transfer of virus-specific T cells can suppress reactivation by re-establishing functional antiviral immune responses in immunocompromised hosts. We have developed a good manufacturing practice protocol to generate CMV/EBV-peptide-stimulated T cells from leukapheresis products of G-CSF mobilized and non-mobilized donors. Our procedure selectively expands virus-specific CD8+ und CD4+ T cells over 9 days using a generic pool of 34 CMV and EBV peptides that represent well-defined dominant T-cell epitopes with various HLA restrictions. For HLA class I, this set of peptides covers at least 80% of the European population. CMV/EBV-specific T cells were successfully expanded from leukapheresis material of both G-CSF mobilized and non-mobilized donors. The protocol allows administration shortly after stem cell transplantation (d30+), storage over liquid nitrogen for iterated applications, and protection of the stem cell donor by avoiding a second leukapheresis. Our protocol allows for rapid and cost-efficient production of T cells for early transfusion after aSCT as a preventive approach. It is currently evaluated in a phase I/IIa clinical trial.

Increased adenosine triphosphate production by peripheral blood CD4+ cells in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with stem cell mobilization agents.

PubMed

Manga, Kiran; Serban, Geo; Schwartz, Joseph; Slotky, Ronit; Patel, Nita; Fan, Jianshe; Bai, Xiaolin; Chari, Ajai; Savage, David; Suciu-Foca, Nicole; Colovai, Adriana I

2010-07-01

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is an important therapeutic option for patients with hematologic malignancies. To explore the immunomodulatory effects of HSC mobilization agents, we studied the function and phenotype of CD4(+) T cells from 16 adult patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing HSC mobilization treatment for autologous transplantation. Immune cell function was determined using the Immuknow (Cylex) assay by measuring the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) produced by CD4(+) cells from whole blood. ATP activity measured in G-CSF-treated patients was significantly higher than that measured in healthy individuals or "nonmobilized" patients. In patients treated with G-CSF, CD4(+) T cells were predominantly CD25(low)FOXP3(low), consistent with an activated phenotype. However, T-cell depletion did not abrogate ATP production in blood samples from G-CSF-treated patients, indicating that CD4(+) myeloid cells contributed to the increased ATP levels observed in these patients. There was a significant correlation between ATP activity and patient survival, suggesting that efficient activation of CD4(+) cells during mobilization treatment predicts a low risk of disease relapse. Monitoring immune cell reactivity using the Immuknow assay may assist in the clinical management of patients with hematologic malignancies and optimization of HSC mobilization protocols. Copyright 2010 American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ATM kinase inhibition in glial cells activates the innate immune response and causes neurodegeneration in Drosophila.

PubMed

Petersen, Andrew J; Rimkus, Stacey A; Wassarman, David A

2012-03-13

To investigate the mechanistic basis for central nervous system (CNS) neurodegeneration in the disease ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), we analyzed flies mutant for the causative gene A-T mutated (ATM). ATM encodes a protein kinase that functions to monitor the genomic integrity of cells and control cell cycle, DNA repair, and apoptosis programs. Mutation of the C-terminal amino acid in Drosophila ATM inhibited the kinase activity and caused neuron and glial cell death in the adult brain and a reduction in mobility and longevity. These data indicate that reduced ATM kinase activity is sufficient to cause neurodegeneration in A-T. ATM kinase mutant flies also had elevated expression of innate immune response genes in glial cells. ATM knockdown in glial cells, but not neurons, was sufficient to cause neuron and glial cell death, a reduction in mobility and longevity, and elevated expression of innate immune response genes in glial cells, indicating that a non-cell-autonomous mechanism contributes to neurodegeneration in A-T. Taken together, these data suggest that early-onset CNS neurodegeneration in A-T is similar to late-onset CNS neurodegeneration in diseases such as Alzheimer's in which uncontrolled inflammatory response mediated by glial cells drives neurodegeneration.

Cell phones: modern man's nemesis?

PubMed

Makker, Kartikeya; Varghese, Alex; Desai, Nisarg R; Mouradi, Rand; Agarwal, Ashok

2009-01-01

Over the past decade, the use of mobile phones has increased significantly. However, with every technological development comes some element of health concern, and cell phones are no exception. Recently, various studies have highlighted the negative effects of cell phone exposure on human health, and concerns about possible hazards related to cell phone exposure have been growing. This is a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute overview of the effects of cell phone exposure on human health. The types of cell phones and cell phone technologies currently used in the world are discussed in an attempt to improve the understanding of the technical aspects, including the effect of cell phone exposure on the cardiovascular system, sleep and cognitive function, as well as localized and general adverse effects, genotoxicity potential, neurohormonal secretion and tumour induction. The proposed mechanisms by which cell phones adversely affect various aspects of human health, and male fertility in particular, are explained, and the emerging molecular techniques and approaches for elucidating the effects of mobile phone radiation on cellular physiology using high-throughput screening techniques, such as metabolomics and microarrays, are discussed. A novel study is described, which is looking at changes in semen parameters, oxidative stress markers and sperm DNA damage in semen samples exposed in vitro to cell phone radiation.

Voluntary Running Suppresses Tumor Growth through Epinephrine- and IL-6-Dependent NK Cell Mobilization and Redistribution.

PubMed

Pedersen, Line; Idorn, Manja; Olofsson, Gitte H; Lauenborg, Britt; Nookaew, Intawat; Hansen, Rasmus Hvass; Johannesen, Helle Hjorth; Becker, Jürgen C; Pedersen, Katrine S; Dethlefsen, Christine; Nielsen, Jens; Gehl, Julie; Pedersen, Bente K; Thor Straten, Per; Hojman, Pernille

2016-03-08

Regular exercise reduces the risk of cancer and disease recurrence. Yet the mechanisms behind this protection remain to be elucidated. In this study, tumor-bearing mice randomized to voluntary wheel running showed over 60% reduction in tumor incidence and growth across five different tumor models. Microarray analysis revealed training-induced upregulation of pathways associated with immune function. NK cell infiltration was significantly increased in tumors from running mice, whereas depletion of NK cells enhanced tumor growth and blunted the beneficial effects of exercise. Mechanistic analyses showed that NK cells were mobilized by epinephrine, and blockade of β-adrenergic signaling blunted training-dependent tumor inhibition. Moreover, epinephrine induced a selective mobilization of IL-6-sensitive NK cells, and IL-6-blocking antibodies blunted training-induced tumor suppression, intratumoral NK cell infiltration, and NK cell activation. Together, these results link exercise, epinephrine, and IL-6 to NK cell mobilization and redistribution, and ultimately to control of tumor growth. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of low power microwave radiation on biological activity of Collagenase enzyme and growth rate of S. Cerevisiae yeast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alsuhaim, Hamad S.; Vojisavljevic, Vuk; Pirogova, E.

2013-12-01

Recently, microwave radiation, a type/subset of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has been widely used in industry, medicine, as well as food technology and mobile communication. Use of mobile phones is rapidly growing. Four years from now, 5.1 billion people will be mobile phone users around the globe - almost 1 billion more mobile users than the 4.3 billion people worldwide using them now. Consequently, exposure to weak radiofrequency/microwave radiation generated by these devices is markedly increasing. Accordingly, public concern about potential hazards on human health is mounting [1]. Thermal effects of radiofrequency/microwave radiation are very well-known and extensively studied. Of particular interest are non-thermal effects of microwave exposures on biological systems. Nonthermal effects are described as changes in cellular metabolism caused by both resonance absorption and induced EMR and are often accompanied by a specific biological response. Non-thermal biological effects are measurable changes in biological systems that may or may not be associated with adverse health effects. In this study we studied non-thermal effects of low power microwave exposures on kinetics of L-lactate dehydrogenase enzyme and growth rate of yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae strains type II. The selected model systems were continuously exposed to microwave radiation at the frequency of 968MHz and power of 10dBm using the designed and constructed (custom made) Transverse Electro-Magnetic (TEM) cell [2]. The findings reveal that microwave radiation at 968MHz and power of 10dBm inhibits L-lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity by 26% and increases significantly (15%) the proliferation rate of yeast cells.

Correlation of mass spectrometry identified bacterial biomarkers from a fielded pyrolysis-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry biodetector with the microbiological gram stain classification scheme.

PubMed

Snyder, A Peter; Dworzanski, Jacek P; Tripathi, Ashish; Maswadeh, Waleed M; Wick, Charles H

2004-11-01

A pyrolysis-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (Py-GC-IMS) briefcase system has been shown to detect and classify deliberately released bioaerosols in outdoor field scenarios. The bioaerosols included Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, MS-2 coliphage virus, and ovalbumin protein species. However, the origin and structural identities of the pyrolysate peaks in the GC-IMS data space, their microbiological information content, and taxonomic importance with respect to biodetection have not been determined. The present work interrogates the identities of the peaks by inserting a time-of-flight mass spectrometry system in parallel with the IMS detector through a Tee connection in the GC module. Biological substances producing ion mobility peaks from the pyrolysis of microorganisms were identified by their GC retention time, matching of their electron ionization mass spectra with authentic standards, and the National Institutes for Standards and Technology mass spectral database. Strong signals from 2-pyridinecarboxamide were identified in Bacillus samples including Bacillus anthracis, and its origin was traced to the cell wall peptidoglycan macromolecule. 3-Hydroxymyristic acid is a component of lipopolysaccharides in the cell walls of Gram-negative organisms. The Gram-negative Escherichia coli organism showed significant amounts of 3-hydroxymyristic acid derivatives and degradation products in Py-GC-MS analyses. Some of the fatty acid derivatives were observed in very low abundance in the ion mobility spectra, and the higher boiling lipid species were absent. Evidence is presented that the Py-GC-ambient temperature and pressure-IMS system generates and detects bacterial biochemical information that can serve as components of a biological classification scheme directly correlated to the Gram stain reaction in microorganism taxonomy.

Predictors of CD34+ cell mobilization and collection in adult men with germ cell tumors: implications for the salvage treatment strategy.

PubMed

Necchi, Andrea; Miceli, Rosalba; Pedrazzoli, Paolo; Giannatempo, Patrizia; Secondino, Simona; Di Nicola, Massimo; Farè, Elena; Raggi, Daniele; Magni, Michele; Matteucci, Paola; Longoni, Paolo; Milanesi, Marco; Paternò, Emanuela; Ravagnani, Fernando; Arienti, Flavio; Nicolai, Nicola; Salvioni, Roberto; Carlo-Stella, Carmelo; Gianni, Alessandro M

2014-06-01

High-dose chemotherapy with tandem or triple carboplatin and etoposide course is currently the first curative choice for relapsing GCT. The collection of an adequate amount of hematopoietic (CD34(+)) stem cells is a priority. We analyzed data of patients who underwent HDCT at 2 referral institutions. Chemotherapy followed by myeloid growth factors was applied in all cases. Uni- and multivariable models were used to evaluate the association between 2 prespecified variables and mobilization parameters. Analyses included only the first mobilizing course of chemotherapy and mobilization failures. A total of 116 consecutive patients underwent a mobilization attempt from December 1995 to November 2012. Mobilizing regimens included cyclophosphamide (CTX) 7 gr/m(2) (n = 39), cisplatin, etoposide, and ifosfamide (PEI) (n = 42), paclitaxel, cisplatin, and gemcitabine (TPG) (n = 11), and mixed regimens (n = 24). Thirty-seven percent were treated in first-line, 50% (n = 58) in second-line, 9.5% (n = 11) and 3.4% (n = 4) in third- and fourth-line settings, respectively. Six patients did not undergo HDCT because they were poor mobilizers, 2 in first- and second-line (1.9%), and 4 beyond the second-line (26.7%). In the multivariable model, third-line or later setting was associated with a lower CD34(+) cell peak/μL (P = .028) and a lower total CD34(+)/kg collected (P = .008). The latter was also influenced by the type of mobilizing regimen (P < .001). A decline in significant mobilization parameters was found, primarily depending on the pretreatment load. Results lend support to the role of CD34(+) cell mobilization in the therapeutic algorithm of relapsing GCT, for whom multiple HDCT courses are still an option, and potentially a cure. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fanca−/− hematopoietic stem cells demonstrate a mobilization defect which can be overcome by administration of the Rac inhibitor NSC23766

PubMed Central

Milsom, Michael D.; Lee, Andrew W.; Zheng, Yi; Cancelas, Jose A.

2009-01-01

Fanconi anemia is a severe bone marrow failure syndrome resulting from inactivating mutations of Fanconi anemia pathway genes. Gene and cell therapy trials using hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors have been hampered by poor mobilization of HSC to peripheral blood in response to G-CSF. Using a murine model of Fanconi anemia (Fanca−/− mice), we found that the Fanca deficiency was associated with a profound defect in hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors mobilization in response to G-CSF in absence of bone marrow failure, which correlates with the findings of clinical trials in Fanconi anemia patients. This mobilization defect was overcome by co-administration of the Rac inhibitor NSC23766, suggesting that Rac signaling is implicated in the retention of Fanca−/− hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors in the bone marrow. In view of these data, we propose that targeting Rac signaling may enhance G-CSF-induced HSC mobilization in Fanconi anemia. PMID:19491337

Fanca-/- hematopoietic stem cells demonstrate a mobilization defect which can be overcome by administration of the Rac inhibitor NSC23766.

PubMed

Milsom, Michael D; Lee, Andrew W; Zheng, Yi; Cancelas, Jose A

2009-07-01

Fanconi anemia is a severe bone marrow failure syndrome resulting from inactivating mutations of Fanconi anemia pathway genes. Gene and cell therapy trials using hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors have been hampered by poor mobilization of HSC to peripheral blood in response to G-CSF. Using a murine model of Fanconi anemia (Fanca(-/-) mice), we found that the Fanca deficiency was associated with a profound defect in hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors mobilization in response to G-CSF in absence of bone marrow failure, which correlates with the findings of clinical trials in Fanconi anemia patients. This mobilization defect was overcome by co-administration of the Rac inhibitor NSC23766, suggesting that Rac signaling is implicated in the retention of Fanca(-/-) hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors in the bone marrow. In view of these data, we propose that targeting Rac signaling may enhance G-CSF-induced HSC mobilization in Fanconi anemia.

Transport phenomena in alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells for sustainable energy production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, L.; Zhao, T. S.

2017-02-01

Alkaline direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFC), which convert the chemical energy stored in ethanol directly into electricity, are one of the most promising energy-conversion devices for portable, mobile and stationary power applications, primarily because this type of fuel cell runs on a carbon-neutral, sustainable fuel and the electrocatalytic and membrane materials that constitute the cell are relatively inexpensive. As a result, the alkaline DEFC technology has undergone a rapid progress over the last decade. This article provides a comprehensive review of transport phenomena of various species in this fuel cell system. The past investigations into how the design and structural parameters of membrane electrode assemblies and the operating parameters affect the fuel cell performance are discussed. In addition, future perspectives and challenges with regard to transport phenomena in this fuel cell system are also highlighted.

Impaired Endothelial Progenitor Cell Mobilization and Dysfunctional Bone Marrow Stroma in Diabetes Mellitus

PubMed Central

Rafii, Shahin; Jaspers, Janneke E.; White, Ian A.; Hooper, Andrea T.; Doevendans, Pieter A.; Verhaar, Marianne C.

2013-01-01

Background Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cell (EPC) levels are reduced in diabetes mellitus. This may be a consequence of impaired mobilization of EPC from the bone marrow. We hypothesized that under diabetic conditions, mobilization of EPC from the bone marrow to the circulation is impaired –at least partly– due to dysfunction of the bone marrow stromal compartment. Methods Diabetes was induced in mice by streptozotocin injection. Circulating Sca-1+Flk-1+ EPC were characterized and quantified by flow cytometry at baseline and after mobilization with G-CSF/SCF injections. In vivo hemangiogenic recovery was tested by 5-FU challenge. Interaction within the bone marrow environment between CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) and supporting stroma was assessed by co-cultures. To study progenitor cell–endothelial cell interaction under normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions, a co-culture model using E4Orf1-transfected human endothelial cells was employed. Results In diabetic mice, bone marrow EPC levels were unaffected. However, circulating EPC levels in blood were lower at baseline and mobilization was attenuated. Diabetic mice failed to recover and repopulate from 5-FU injection. In vitro, primary cultured bone marrow stroma from diabetic mice was impaired in its capacity to support human CFU-forming HPC. Finally, hyperglycemia hampered the HPC supportive function of endothelial cells in vitro. Conclusion EPC mobilization is impaired under experimental diabetic conditions and our data suggest that diabetes induces alterations in the progenitor cell supportive capacity of the bone marrow stroma, which could be partially responsible for the attenuated EPC mobilization and reduced EPC levels observed in diabetic patients. PMID:23555959

Mobile phone radiation causes changes in gene and protein expression in human endothelial cell lines and the response seems to be genome- and proteome-dependent.

PubMed

Nylund, Reetta; Leszczynski, Dariusz

2006-09-01

We have examined in vitro cell response to mobile phone radiation (900 MHz GSM signal) using two variants of human endothelial cell line: EA.hy926 and EA.hy926v1. Gene expression changes were examined in three experiments using cDNA Expression Arrays and protein expression changes were examined in ten experiments using 2-DE and PDQuest software. Obtained results show that gene and protein expression were altered, in both examined cell lines, in response to one hour mobile phone radiation exposure at an average specific absorption rate of 2.8 W/kg. However, the same genes and proteins were differently affected by the exposure in each of the cell lines. This suggests that the cell response to mobile phone radiation might be genome- and proteome-dependent. Therefore, it is likely that different types of cells and from different species might respond differently to mobile phone radiation or might have different sensitivity to this weak stimulus. Our findings might also explain, at least in part, the origin of discrepancies in replication studies between different laboratories.

Mobile Phone Health Applications for the Federal Sector.

PubMed

Burrows, Christin S; Weigel, Fred K

2016-01-01

As the US healthcare system moves toward a mobile care model, mobile phones will play a significant role in the future of healthcare delivery. Today, 90% of American adults own a mobile phone and 64% own a smartphone, yet many healthcare organizations are only beginning to explore the opportunities in which mobile phones can improve and streamline care. After searching Google Scholar, the Association for Computing Machinery Database, and PubMed for articles related to mobile phone health applications and cell phone text message health, we selected articles and studies related to the application of mobile phones in healthcare. From our initial review, we identified the potential application areas and continued to refine our search, identifying a total of 55 articles for additional review and analysis. From the literature, we identified 3 main themes for mobile phone implementation in improving healthcare: primary, preventive, and population health. We recommend federal health leaders pursue the value and potential in these areas; not only because 90% of Americans already own mobile phones, but also because mobile phone integration can provide substantial access and potential cost savings. From the positive findings of multiple studies in primary, preventive, and population health, we propose a 5-year federal implementation plan to integrate mobile phone capabilities into federal healthcare delivery. Our proposal has the potential to improve access, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction, therefore changing the way the federal sector delivers healthcare by 2021.

Mobility of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Pr55Gag in living cells.

PubMed

Gomez, Candace Y; Hope, Thomas J

2006-09-01

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) assembly requires the converging of thousands of structural proteins on cellular membranes to form a tightly packed immature virion. The Gag polyprotein contains all of the determinants important for viral assembly and must move around in the cell in order to form particles. This work has focused on Gag mobility in order to provide more insights into the dynamics of particle assembly. Key to these studies was the use of several fluorescently labeled Gag derivatives. We used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching as well as photoactivation to determine Gag mobility. Upon expression, Gag can be localized diffusely in the cytoplasm, associated with the plasma membrane, or in virus-like particles (VLPs). Here we show that Gag VLPs are primarily localized in the plasma membrane and do not colocalize with CD63. We have shown using full-length Gag as well as truncation mutants fused to green fluorescent protein that Gag is highly mobile in live cells when it is not assembled into VLPs. Results also showed that this mobility is highly dependent upon cholesterol. When cholesterol is depleted from cells expressing Gag, mobility is significantly decreased. Once cholesterol was replenished, Gag mobility returned to wild-type levels. Taken together, results from these mobility studies suggest that Gag is highly mobile and that as the assembly process proceeds, mobility decreases. These studies also suggest that Gag assembly must occur in cholesterol-rich domains in the plasma membrane.

Modeling and Simulation of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle Power System

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-28

Wilhelm, A. N., Surgenor, B. W., and Pharoah, J. G., “Design and evaluation of a micro-fuel-cell-based power system for a mobile robot,” Mechatronics ... Embedded Control Systems ], Control Engineering, 91–116, Birkhuser Boston (2005). [12] Alur, R., Courcoubetis, C., Halbwachs, N., Henzinger, T., Ho, P.-H...Modeling and Simulation of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle Power System John Brodericka∗, Jack Hartnerb, Dawn Tilburya, and Ella Atkinsa aThe University

A single center’s experience using four different front line mobilization strategies in lymphoma patients planned to undergo autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation

PubMed Central

Haverkos, Bradley M.; Huang, Ying; Elder, Patrick; O’Donnell, Lynn; Scholl, Diane; Whittaker, Becky; Vasu, Sumi; Penza, Sam; Andritsos, Leslie A.; Devine, Steven M.; Jaglowski, Samantha M.

2016-01-01

In an otherwise eligible patient with relapsed lymphoma, inadequate mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells is a limiting factor to proceeding with an autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT). Multiple strategies have been used to mobilize an adequate number of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with no obvious front-line strategy. We report a single institutional experience mobilizing HSCs using four different approaches in lymphoma patients. We prospectively collected mobilization outcomes on patients planning to undergo auto-HCT at Ohio State University. We report results of first mobilization attempt for all relapsed or refractory lymphoma patients between 2008–2014. We identified 255 lymphoma patients who underwent mobilization for planned auto-HCT. The 255 lymphoma patients underwent the following front line mobilization strategies: 95 (37%) GCSF alone, 38 (15%) chemomobilization (GCSF+chemotherapy), 97 (38%) preemptive day 4 plerixafor, and 25 (10%) rescue day 5 plerixafor. As expected, there were significant differences between cohorts including age, comorbid indices, histology, and amount of prior chemotherapy. After controlling for differences between groups, the odds of collecting 2×106/kg HSCs on the first day of collection and 5×106/kg HSCs in total was highest in the cohort undergoing chemomobilization. In conclusion, our experience highlights the effectiveness of chemomobilization. PMID:28067870

77 FR 12316 - Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-29

..., mobilizes hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) from the bone marrow into blood. These mobilized HSPCs... bone marrow. miR126 may also facilitate mobilization of bone-resident cancer cells into the circulation where they could be more easily targeted by cancer therapeutics. This discovery could replace bone...

Determination of Charge-Carrier Mobility in Disordered Thin-Film Solar Cells as a Function of Current Density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mäckel, Helmut; MacKenzie, Roderick C. I.

2018-03-01

Charge-carrier mobility is a fundamental material parameter, which plays an important role in determining solar-cell efficiency. The higher the mobility, the less time a charge carrier will spend in a device and the less likely it is that it will be lost to recombination. Despite the importance of this physical property, it is notoriously difficult to measure accurately in disordered thin-film solar cells under operating conditions. We, therefore, investigate a method previously proposed in the literature for the determination of mobility as a function of current density. The method is based on a simple analytical model that relates the mobility to carrier density and transport resistance. By revising the theoretical background of the method, we clearly demonstrate what type of mobility can be extracted (constant mobility or effective mobility of electrons and holes). We generalize the method to any combination of measurements that is able to determine the mean electron and hole carrier density, and the transport resistance at a given current density. We explore the robustness of the method by simulating typical organic solar-cell structures with a variety of physical properties, including unbalanced mobilities, unbalanced carrier densities, and for high or low carrier trapping rates. The simulations reveal that near VOC and JSC , the method fails due to the limitation of determining the transport resistance. However, away from these regions (and, importantly, around the maximum power point), the method can accurately determine charge-carrier mobility. In the presence of strong carrier trapping, the method overestimates the effective mobility due to an underestimation of the carrier density.

Regularity and predictability of human mobility in personal space.

PubMed

Austin, Daniel; Cross, Robin M; Hayes, Tamara; Kaye, Jeffrey

2014-01-01

Fundamental laws governing human mobility have many important applications such as forecasting and controlling epidemics or optimizing transportation systems. These mobility patterns, studied in the context of out of home activity during travel or social interactions with observations recorded from cell phone use or diffusion of money, suggest that in extra-personal space humans follow a high degree of temporal and spatial regularity - most often in the form of time-independent universal scaling laws. Here we show that mobility patterns of older individuals in their home also show a high degree of predictability and regularity, although in a different way than has been reported for out-of-home mobility. Studying a data set of almost 15 million observations from 19 adults spanning up to 5 years of unobtrusive longitudinal home activity monitoring, we find that in-home mobility is not well represented by a universal scaling law, but that significant structure (predictability and regularity) is uncovered when explicitly accounting for contextual data in a model of in-home mobility. These results suggest that human mobility in personal space is highly stereotyped, and that monitoring discontinuities in routine room-level mobility patterns may provide an opportunity to predict individual human health and functional status or detect adverse events and trends.

Charge carrier mobility in conjugated organic polymers: simulation of an electron mobility in a carbazole-benzothiadiazole-based polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yaping; Lagowski, Jolanta B.

2011-08-01

Inorganic (mostly silicon based) solar cells are important devices that are used to solve the world energy and environmental needs. Now days, organic solar cells are attracting considerable attention in the field of photovoltaic cells because of their low cost and processing flexibility. Often conjugated polymers are used in the construction of the organic solar cells. We study the conjugated polymers' charge transport using computational approach that involves the use of the density functional theory (DFT), semiempirical (ZINDO), and Monte Carlo (MC) theoretical methods in order to determine their transfer integrals, reorganization energies, transfer rates (with the use of Marcus-Hush equation) and mobilities. We employ the experimentally determined three dimensional (3D) structure of poly(9,9'-di-n-octylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) to estimate the electron mobility in a similar co-alternating polymer consisting of carbazole and benzothiadiazole units (C8BT). In agreement with our previous work, we found that including an orientational disorder in the crystal reduces the electron mobility in C8BT. We hope that the proposed computational approach can be used to predict charge mobility in organic materials that are used in solar cells.

Improved low-cost, non-hazardous, all-iron cell for the developing world

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tucker, Michael C.; Lambelet, David; Oueslati, Mohamed

A low-cost, non-hazardous personal-power system based on an aqueous all-iron electrochemical cell is demonstrated in this paper. The system is intended to be assembled and operated by developing-world households that lack sufficient access to electricity, thereby enabling LED lighting or mobile phone charging on demand. Lab-scale hardware is used to assess the performance of individual cell components. It is found that coffee filter paper is an effective low-cost separator. Carbon felt is a low-cost electrode material, and its performance and wetting by the electrolyte solution is greatly improved by pre-treatment with sulfuric acid. The carbon felt does not degrade aftermore » a week of daily use. By using these components, performance of the system is significantly improved over the previous baseline, with power density more than doubling to 40 mW cm -2, and iron utilization improving from 78% to 88%. The operating cost is estimated to be less than US$0.03 per mobile phone charge. Based on the lab-scale results, a stand-alone prototype consumer product is designed, fabricated, and tested. It successfully provides 2.5 h of LED illumination while consuming 200 mL of electrolyte solution via gravity feed. Finally, we anticipate these results will enable deployment of this innovative system to energy-impoverished individuals in the developing world.« less

Improved low-cost, non-hazardous, all-iron cell for the developing world

DOE PAGES

Tucker, Michael C.; Lambelet, David; Oueslati, Mohamed; ...

2016-09-28

A low-cost, non-hazardous personal-power system based on an aqueous all-iron electrochemical cell is demonstrated in this paper. The system is intended to be assembled and operated by developing-world households that lack sufficient access to electricity, thereby enabling LED lighting or mobile phone charging on demand. Lab-scale hardware is used to assess the performance of individual cell components. It is found that coffee filter paper is an effective low-cost separator. Carbon felt is a low-cost electrode material, and its performance and wetting by the electrolyte solution is greatly improved by pre-treatment with sulfuric acid. The carbon felt does not degrade aftermore » a week of daily use. By using these components, performance of the system is significantly improved over the previous baseline, with power density more than doubling to 40 mW cm -2, and iron utilization improving from 78% to 88%. The operating cost is estimated to be less than US$0.03 per mobile phone charge. Based on the lab-scale results, a stand-alone prototype consumer product is designed, fabricated, and tested. It successfully provides 2.5 h of LED illumination while consuming 200 mL of electrolyte solution via gravity feed. Finally, we anticipate these results will enable deployment of this innovative system to energy-impoverished individuals in the developing world.« less

Fuels processing for transportation fuel cell systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, R.; Ahmed, S.

Fuel cells primarily use hydrogen as the fuel. This hydrogen must be produced from other fuels such as natural gas or methanol. The fuel processor requirements are affected by the fuel to be converted, the type of fuel cell to be supplied, and the fuel cell application. The conventional fuel processing technology has been reexamined to determine how it must be adapted for use in demanding applications such as transportation. The two major fuel conversion processes are steam reforming and partial oxidation reforming. The former is established practice for stationary applications; the latter offers certain advantages for mobile systems and is presently in various stages of development. This paper discusses these fuel processing technologies and the more recent developments for fuel cell systems used in transportation. The need for new materials in fuels processing, particularly in the area of reforming catalysis and hydrogen purification, is discussed.

Role of mobile health in the care of culturally and linguistically diverse US populations.

PubMed

Tirado, Miguel

2011-01-01

Emerging trends in the health-related use of cell phones include the proliferation of mobile health applications for the care and monitoring of patients with chronic diseases and the rise in cell phone usage by Latinos and African Americans in the United States. This article reviews public policy in four areas with the goal of improving the care of patients belonging to culturally and linguistically diverse populations: 1) mobile health service access and the physician's duty of care, 2) affordability of and reimbursement for health related services via mobile phone, 3) protocols for mobile health enabled patient health data collection and distribution, and 4) cultural and linguistic appropriateness of health related messages delivered via cell phone. The review demonstrates the need for policy changes that would allow for reimbursement of both synchronous and asynchronous patient-provider communication, subsidize broadband access for lower-income patients, introduce standards for confidentiality of health data transmitted via cell phone as well as amplify existing cultural and linguistic standards to encompass mobile communication, and consider widespread public accessibility when certifying new technologies as "medical devices." Federal and state governments must take prompt action to ensure that the benefits of mobile health are accessible to all Americans.

Research and Development of Zinc Air Fuel Cell To Achieve Commercialization Final Report CRADA No. TC-1544-98

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cooper, J. F.; Haley, H. D.

The specific goal of this project was to advance the development of the zinc air fuel cell (ZAFC) towards commercial readiness in different mobile applications, including motor bikes, passenger cars, vans, buses and off-road vehicles (golf carts, factory equipment), and different stationary applications including generator sets, uninterruptible power systems and electric utility loading leveling and distributive power.

AlGaSb Buffer Layers for Sb-Based Transistors

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

transistor ( HEMT ), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), field-effect transistor (FET), buffer layer INTRODUCTION High-electron-mobility transistors ( HEMTs ) with InAs...monolayers/s. The use of thinner buffer layers reduces molecular beam epitaxial growth time and source consumption. The buffer layers also exhibit...source. In addition, some of the flux from an Sb cell in a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system will deposit near the mouth of the cell, eventually

Application of magnetic carriers to two examples of quantitative cell analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Chen; Qian, Zhixi; Choi, Young Suk; David, Allan E.; Todd, Paul; Hanley, Thomas R.

2017-04-01

The use of magnetophoretic mobility as a surrogate for fluorescence intensity in quantitative cell analysis was investigated. The objectives of quantitative fluorescence flow cytometry include establishing a level of labeling for the setting of parameters in fluorescence activated cell sorters (FACS) and the determination of levels of uptake of fluorescently labeled substrates by living cells. Likewise, the objectives of quantitative magnetic cytometry include establishing a level of labeling for the setting of parameters in flowing magnetic cell sorters and the determination of levels of uptake of magnetically labeled substrates by living cells. The magnetic counterpart to fluorescence intensity is magnetophoretic mobility, defined as the velocity imparted to a suspended cell per unit of magnetic ponderomotive force. A commercial velocimeter available for making this measurement was used to demonstrate both applications. Cultured Gallus lymphoma cells were immunolabeled with commercial magnetic beads and shown to have adequate magnetophoretic mobility to be separated by a novel flowing magnetic separator. Phagocytosis of starch nanoparticles having magnetic cores by cultured Chinese hamster ovary cells, a CHO line, was quantified on the basis of magnetophoretic mobility.

Unsupervised User Similarity Mining in GSM Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Shad, Shafqat Ali; Chen, Enhong

2013-01-01

Mobility data has attracted the researchers for the past few years because of its rich context and spatiotemporal nature, where this information can be used for potential applications like early warning system, route prediction, traffic management, advertisement, social networking, and community finding. All the mentioned applications are based on mobility profile building and user trend analysis, where mobility profile building is done through significant places extraction, user's actual movement prediction, and context awareness. However, significant places extraction and user's actual movement prediction for mobility profile building are a trivial task. In this paper, we present the user similarity mining-based methodology through user mobility profile building by using the semantic tagging information provided by user and basic GSM network architecture properties based on unsupervised clustering approach. As the mobility information is in low-level raw form, our proposed methodology successfully converts it to a high-level meaningful information by using the cell-Id location information rather than previously used location capturing methods like GPS, Infrared, and Wifi for profile mining and user similarity mining. PMID:23576905

Expectations as a key to understanding actor strategies in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen vehicles

PubMed Central

Budde, Björn; Alkemade, Floortje; Weber, K. Matthias

2012-01-01

Due to its environmental impact, the mobility system is increasingly under pressure. The challenges to cope with climate change, air quality, depleting fossil resources imply the need for a transition of the current mobility system towards a more sustainable one. Expectations and visions have been identified as crucial in the guidance of such transitions, and more specifically of actor strategies. Still, it remained unclear why the actors involved in transition activities appear to change their strategies frequently and suddenly. The empirical analysis of the expectations and strategies of three actors in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell technology indicates that changing actor strategies can be explained by rather volatile expectations related to different levels. Our case studies of the strategies of two large car manufacturers and the German government demonstrate that the car manufacturers refer strongly to expectations about the future regime, while expectations related to the socio-technical landscape level appear to be crucial for the strategy of the German government. PMID:24850974

Expectations as a key to understanding actor strategies in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen vehicles.

PubMed

Budde, Björn; Alkemade, Floortje; Weber, K Matthias

2012-07-01

Due to its environmental impact, the mobility system is increasingly under pressure. The challenges to cope with climate change, air quality, depleting fossil resources imply the need for a transition of the current mobility system towards a more sustainable one. Expectations and visions have been identified as crucial in the guidance of such transitions, and more specifically of actor strategies. Still, it remained unclear why the actors involved in transition activities appear to change their strategies frequently and suddenly. The empirical analysis of the expectations and strategies of three actors in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell technology indicates that changing actor strategies can be explained by rather volatile expectations related to different levels. Our case studies of the strategies of two large car manufacturers and the German government demonstrate that the car manufacturers refer strongly to expectations about the future regime, while expectations related to the socio-technical landscape level appear to be crucial for the strategy of the German government.

SLP-65 signal transduction requires Src homology 2 domain-mediated membrane anchoring and a kinase-independent adaptor function of Syk.

PubMed

Abudula, Abulizi; Grabbe, Annika; Brechmann, Markus; Polaschegg, Christian; Herrmann, Nadine; Goldbeck, Ingo; Dittmann, Kai; Wienands, Jürgen

2007-09-28

The family of SLPs (Src homology 2 domain-containing leukocyte adaptor proteins) are cytoplasmic signal effectors of lymphocyte antigen receptors. A main function of SLP is to orchestrate the assembly of Ca(2+)-mobilizing enzymes at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. For this purpose, SLP-76 in T cells utilizes the transmembrane adaptor LAT, but the mechanism of SLP-65 membrane anchoring in B cells remains an enigma. We now employed two genetic reconstitution systems to unravel structural requirements of SLP-65 for the initiation of Ca(2+) mobilization and subsequent activation of gene transcription. First, mutational analysis of SLP-65 in DT40 B cells revealed that its C-terminal Src homology 2 domain controls efficient tyrosine phosphorylation by the kinase Syk, plasma membrane recruitment, as well as downstream signaling to NFAT activation. Second, we dissected these processes by expressing SLP-65 in SLP-76-deficient T cells and found that a kinase-independent adaptor function of Syk is required to link phosphorylated SLP-65 to Ca(2+) mobilization. These approaches unmask a mechanistic complexity of SLP-65 activation and coupling to signaling cascades in that Syk is upstream as well as downstream of SLP-65. Moreover, membrane anchoring of the SLP-65-assembled Ca(2+) initiation complex, which appears to be fundamentally different from that of closely related SLP-76, does not necessarily involve a B cell-specific component.

Phosphatidylserine and GTPase activation control Cdc42 nanoclustering to counter dissipative diffusion.

PubMed

Sartorel, Elodie; Ünlü, Caner; Jose, Mini; Massoni-Laporte, Aurélie; Meca, Julien; Sibarita, Jean-Baptiste; McCusker, Derek

2018-04-18

The anisotropic organization of plasma membrane constituents is indicative of mechanisms that drive the membrane away from equilibrium. However, defining these mechanisms is challenging due to the short spatio-temporal scales at which diffusion operates. Here, we use high-density single protein tracking combined with photoactivation localization microscopy (sptPALM) to monitor Cdc42 in budding yeast, a system in which Cdc42 exhibits anisotropic organization. Cdc42 exhibited reduced mobility at the cell pole, where it was organized in nanoclusters. The Cdc42 nanoclusters were larger at the cell pole than those observed elsewhere in the cell. These features were exacerbated in cells expressing Cdc42-GTP, and were dependent on the scaffold Bem1, which contributed to the range of mobility and nanocluster size exhibited by Cdc42. The lipid environment, in particular phosphatidylserine levels, also played a role in regulating Cdc42 nanoclustering. These studies reveal how the mobility of a Rho GTPase is controlled to counter the depletive effects of diffusion, thus stabilizing Cdc42 on the plasma membrane and sustaining cell polarity. Movie S1 Movie S1 sptPALM imaging of live yeast expressing Pil1-mEOS expressed at the genomic locus. Pil1-mEOS was simultaneously photo-converted with a 405 nm laser and imaged with a 561 nm laser using HiLo illumination. Images were acquired at 20 ms intervals, of which 300 frames are shown at 7 frames per second.

Electrophoretic cell separation by means of immunomicrospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rembaum, A.; Smolka, A. J. K.

1980-01-01

The electrophoretic mobility of fixed human red blood cells immunologically labeled with polymeric (4-vinyl)pyridine or polyglutaraldehyde microspheres was altered to a considerable extent. This observation was utilized in the preparative scale electrophoretic separation of human and turkey fixed red blood cells, whose mobilities under normal physiological conditions do not differ sufficiently to allow their separation by continuous flow electrophoresis. It is suggested that resolution in the electrophoretic separation of cell subpopulations, currently limited by finite and often overlapping mobility distributions, may be significantly enhanced by immuno-specific labeling of target populations using microspheres.

Sowing the Seeds of a Fruitful Harvest: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization

PubMed Central

Hoggatt, Jonathan; Speth, Jennifer M.; Pelus, Louis M.

2014-01-01

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative option for a number of malignant and non-malignant diseases. As the use of hematopoietic transplant has expanded, so too has the source of stem and progenitor cells. The predominate source of stem and progenitors today, particularly in settings of autologous transplantation, is mobilized peripheral blood. This review will highlight the historical advances which lead to the widespread use of peripheral blood stem cells for transplantation, with a look towards future enhancements to mobilization strategies. PMID:24123398

Cell phone radiation exposure on brain and associated biological systems.

PubMed

Kesari, Kavindra Kumar; Siddiqui, Mohd Haris; Meena, Ramovatar; Verma, H N; Kumar, Shivendra

2013-03-01

Wireless technologies are ubiquitous today and the mobile phones are one of the prodigious output of this technology. Although the familiarization and dependency of mobile phones is growing at an alarming pace, the biological effects due to the exposure of radiations have become a subject of intense debate. The present evidence on mobile phone radiation exposure is based on scientific research and public policy initiative to give an overview of what is known of biological effects that occur at radiofrequency (RF)/ electromagnetic fields (EMFs) exposure. The conflict in conclusions is mainly because of difficulty in controlling the affecting parameters. Biological effects are dependent not only on the distance and size of the object (with respect to the object) but also on the environmental parameters. Health endpoints reported to be associated with RF include childhood leukemia, brain tumors, genotoxic effects, neurological effects and neurodegenerative diseases, immune system deregulation, allergic and inflammatory responses, infertility and some cardiovascular effects. Most of the reports conclude a reasonable suspicion of mobile phone risk that exists based on clear evidence of bio-effects which with prolonged exposures may reasonably be presumed to result in health impacts. The present study summarizes the public issue based on mobile phone radiation exposure and their biological effects. This review concludes that the regular and long term use of microwave devices (mobile phone, microwave oven) at domestic level can have negative impact upon biological system especially on brain. It also suggests that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role by enhancing the effect of microwave radiations which may cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Charge density dependent mobility of organic hole-transporters and mesoporous TiO₂ determined by transient mobility spectroscopy: implications to dye-sensitized and organic solar cells.

PubMed

Leijtens, Tomas; Lim, Jongchul; Teuscher, Joël; Park, Taiho; Snaith, Henry J

2013-06-18

Transient mobility spectroscopy (TMS) is presented as a new tool to probe the charge carrier mobility of commonly employed organic and inorganic semiconductors over the relevant range of charge densities. The charge density dependence of the mobility of semiconductors used in hybrid and organic photovoltaics gives new insights into charge transport phenomena in solid state dye sensitized solar cells. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Activation Mobilizes the Cholesterol in the Late Endosomes-Lysosomes of Niemann Pick Type C Cells

PubMed Central

Lange, Yvonne; Ye, Jin; Steck, Theodore L.

2012-01-01

A variety of intercalating amphipaths increase the chemical activity of plasma membrane cholesterol. To test whether intracellular cholesterol can be similarly activated, we examined NPC1 and NPC2 fibroblasts, since they accumulate large amounts of cholesterol in their late endosomes and lysosomes (LE/L). We gauged the mobility of intracellular sterol from its appearance at the surface of the intact cells, as determined by its susceptibility to cholesterol oxidase and its isotope exchange with extracellular 2-(hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin-cholesterol. The entire cytoplasmic cholesterol pool in these cells was mobile, exchanging with the plasma membrane with an apparent half-time of ∼3–4 hours, ∼4–5 times slower than that for wild type human fibroblasts (half-time ∼0.75 hours). The mobility of the intracellular cholesterol was increased by the membrane-intercalating amphipaths chlorpromazine and 1-octanol. Chlorpromazine also promoted the net transfer of LE/L cholesterol to serum and cyclodextrin. Surprisingly, the mobility of LE/L cholesterol was greatly stimulated by treating intact NPC cells with glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde. Similar effects were seen with wild type fibroblasts in which the LE/L cholesterol pool had been expanded using U18666A. We also showed that the cholesterol in the intracellular membranes of fixed wild-type fibroblasts was mobile; it was rapidly oxidized by cholesterol oxidase and was rapidly replenished by exogenous sterol. We conclude that a) the cholesterol in NPC cells can exit the LE/L (and the extensive membranous inclusions therein) over a few hours; b) this mobility is stimulated by the activation of the cholesterol with intercalating amphipaths; c) intracellular cholesterol is even more mobile in fixed cells; and d) amphipaths that activate cholesterol might be useful in treating NPC disease. PMID:22276143

Multimedia information processing in the SWAN mobile networked computing system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, Prathima; Hyden, Eoin; Krzyzanowsji, Paul; Srivastava, Mani B.; Trotter, John

1996-03-01

Anytime anywhere wireless access to databases, such as medical and inventory records, can simplify workflow management in a business, and reduce or even eliminate the cost of moving paper documents. Moreover, continual progress in wireless access technology promises to provide per-user bandwidths of the order of a few Mbps, at least in indoor environments. When combined with the emerging high-speed integrated service wired networks, it enables ubiquitous and tetherless access to and processing of multimedia information by mobile users. To leverage on this synergy an indoor wireless network based on room-sized cells and multimedia mobile end-points is being developed at AT&T Bell Laboratories. This research network, called SWAN (Seamless Wireless ATM Networking), allows users carrying multimedia end-points such as PDAs, laptops, and portable multimedia terminals, to seamlessly roam while accessing multimedia data streams from the wired backbone network. A distinguishing feature of the SWAN network is its use of end-to-end ATM connectivity as opposed to the connectionless mobile-IP connectivity used by present day wireless data LANs. This choice allows the wireless resource in a cell to be intelligently allocated amongst various ATM virtual circuits according to their quality of service requirements. But an efficient implementation of ATM in a wireless environment requires a proper mobile network architecture. In particular, the wireless link and medium-access layers need to be cognizant of the ATM traffic, while the ATM layers need to be cognizant of the mobility enabled by the wireless layers. This paper presents an overview of SWAN's network architecture, briefly discusses the issues in making ATM mobile and wireless, and describes initial multimedia applications for SWAN.

Impact of the intermixed phase and the channel network on the carrier mobility of nanostructured solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woellner, Cristiano F.; Freire, José A.

2016-02-01

We analyzed the impact of the complex channel network of donor and acceptor domains in nanostructured solar cells on the mobility of the charge carriers moving by thermally activated hopping. Particular attention was given to the so called intermixed phase, or interface roughness, that has recently been shown to promote an increase in the cell efficiency. The domains were obtained from a Monte Carlo simulation of a two-species lattice gas. We generated domain morphologies with controllable channel size and interface roughness. The field and density dependence of the carrier hopping mobility in different morphologies was obtained by solving a master equation. Our results show that the mobility decreases with roughness and increases with typical channel sizes. The deleterious effect of the roughness on the mobility is quite dramatic at low carrier densities and high fields. The complex channel network is shown to be directly responsible for two potentially harmful effects to the cell performance: a remarkable decrease of the mobility with increasing field and the accumulation of charge at the domains interface, which leads to recombination losses.

Low-dose radiation (LDR) induces hematopoietic hormesis: LDR-induced mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood circulation.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Wang, Guanjun; Cui, Jiuwei; Xue, Lu; Cai, Lu

2004-11-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the stimulating effect of low-dose radiation (LDR) on bone marrow hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) proliferation and peripheral blood mobilization. Mice were exposed to 25- to 100-mGy x-rays. Bone marrow and peripheral blood HPCs (BFU-E, CFU-GM, and c-kit+ cells) were measured, and GM-CSF, G-CSF, and IL-3 protein and mRNA expression were detected using ELISA, slot blot hybridization, and Northern blot methods. To functionally evaluate LDR-stimulated and -mobilized HPCs, repopulation of peripheral blood cells in lethally irradiated recipients after transplantation of LDR-treated donor HPCs was examined by WBC counts, animal survival, and colony-forming units in the recipient spleens (CFUs-S). 75-mGy x-rays induced a maximal stimulation for bone marrow HPC proliferation (CFU-GM and BFU-E formation) 48 hours postirradiation, along with a significant increase in HPC mobilization into peripheral blood 48 to 72 hours postradiation, as shown by increases in CFU-GM formation and proportion of c-kit+ cells in the peripheral mononuclear cells. 75-mGy x-rays also maximally induced increases in G-CSF and GM-CSF mRNA expression in splenocytes and levels of serum GM-CSF. To define the critical role of these hematopoietic-stimulating factors in HPC peripheral mobilization, direct administration of G-CSF at a dose of 300 microg/kg/day or 150 microg/kg/day was applied and found to significantly stimulate GM-CFU formation and increase c-kit+ cells in the peripheral mononuclear cells. More importantly, 75-mGy x-rays plus 150 microg/kg/day G-CSF (LDR/150-G-CSF) produced a similar effect to that of 300 microg/kg/day G-CSF alone. Furthermore, the capability of LDR-mobilized donor HPCs to repopulate blood cells was confirmed in lethally irradiated recipient mice by counting peripheral WBC and CFUs-S. These results suggest that LDR induces hematopoietic hormesis, as demonstrated by HPC proliferation and peripheral mobilization, providing a potential approach to clinical application for HPC peripheral mobilization.

CMV-specific T cell isolation from G-CSF mobilized peripheral blood: depletion of myeloid progenitors eliminates non-specific binding of MHC-multimers.

PubMed

Beloki, Lorea; Ciaurriz, Miriam; Mansilla, Cristina; Zabalza, Amaya; Perez-Valderrama, Estela; Samuel, Edward R; Lowdell, Mark W; Ramirez, Natalia; Olavarria, Eduardo

2014-11-19

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific T cell infusion to immunocompromised patients following allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT) is able to induce a successful anti-viral response. These cells have classically been manufactured from steady-state apheresis samples collected from the donor in an additional harvest prior to G-CSF mobilization, treatment that induces hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization to the periphery. However, two closely-timed cellular collections are not usually available in the unrelated donor setting, which limits the accessibility of anti-viral cells for adoptive immunotherapy. CMV-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) manufacture from the same G-CSF mobilized donor stem cell harvest offers great regulatory advantages, but the isolation using MHC-multimers is hampered by the high non-specific binding to myeloid progenitors, which reduces the purity of the cellular product. In the present study we describe an easy and fast method based on plastic adherence to remove myeloid cell subsets from 11 G-CSF mobilized donor samples. CMV-specific CTLs were isolated from the non-adherent fraction using pentamers and purity and yield of the process were compared to products obtained from unmanipulated samples. After the elimination of unwanted cell subtypes, non-specific binding of pentamers was notably reduced. Accordingly, following the isolation process the purity of the obtained cellular product was significantly improved. G-CSF mobilized leukapheresis samples can successfully be used to isolate antigen-specific T cells with MHC-multimers to be adoptively transferred following allo-HSCT, widening the accessibility of this therapy in the unrelated donor setting. The combination of the clinically translatable plastic adherence process to the antigen-specific cell isolation using MHC-multimers improves the quality of the therapeutic cellular product, thereby reducing the clinical negative effects associated with undesired alloreactive cell infusion.

Biomedical sensing analyzer (BSA) for mobile-health (mHealth)-LTE.

PubMed

Adibi, Sasan

2014-01-01

The rapid expansion of mobile-based systems, the capabilities of smartphone devices, as well as the radio access and cellular network technologies are the wind beneath the wing of mobile health (mHealth). In this paper, the concept of biomedical sensing analyzer (BSA) is presented, which is a novel framework, devised for sensor-based mHealth applications. The BSA is capable of formulating the Quality of Service (QoS) measurements in an end-to-end sense, covering the entire communication path (wearable sensors, link-technology, smartphone, cell-towers, mobile-cloud, and the end-users). The characterization and formulation of BSA depend on a number of factors, including the deployment of application-specific biomedical sensors, generic link-technologies, collection, aggregation, and prioritization of mHealth data, cellular network based on the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) access technology, and extensive multidimensional delay analyses. The results are studied and analyzed in a LabView 8.5 programming environment.

Generic Dynamic Environment Perception Using Smart Mobile Devices.

PubMed

Danescu, Radu; Itu, Razvan; Petrovai, Andra

2016-10-17

The driving environment is complex and dynamic, and the attention of the driver is continuously challenged, therefore computer based assistance achieved by processing image and sensor data may increase traffic safety. While active sensors and stereovision have the advantage of obtaining 3D data directly, monocular vision is easy to set up, and can benefit from the increasing computational power of smart mobile devices, and from the fact that almost all of them come with an embedded camera. Several driving assistance application are available for mobile devices, but they are mostly targeted for simple scenarios and a limited range of obstacle shapes and poses. This paper presents a technique for generic, shape independent real-time obstacle detection for mobile devices, based on a dynamic, free form 3D representation of the environment: the particle based occupancy grid. Images acquired in real time from the smart mobile device's camera are processed by removing the perspective effect and segmenting the resulted bird-eye view image to identify candidate obstacle areas, which are then used to update the occupancy grid. The occupancy grid tracked cells are grouped into obstacles depicted as cuboids having position, size, orientation and speed. The easy to set up system is able to reliably detect most obstacles in urban traffic, and its measurement accuracy is comparable to a stereovision system.

Traceability System For Agricultural Productsbased on Rfid and Mobile Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugahara, Koji

In agriculture, it is required to establish and integrate food traceability systems and risk management systems in order to improve food safety in the entire food chain. The integrated traceability system for agricultural products was developed, based on innovative technology of RFID and mobile computing. In order to identify individual products on the distribution process efficiently,small RFID tags with unique ID and handy RFID readers were applied. On the distribution process, the RFID tags are checked by using the readers, and transit records of the products are stored to the database via wireless LAN.Regarding agricultural production, the recent issues of pesticides misuse affect consumer confidence in food safety. The Navigation System for Appropriate Pesticide Use (Nouyaku-navi) was developed, which is available in the fields by Internet cell-phones. Based on it, agricultural risk management systems have been developed. These systems collaborate with traceability systems and they can be applied for process control and risk management in agriculture.

Overcoming the response plateau in multiple myeloma: a novel bortezomib-based strategy for secondary induction and high-yield CD34+ stem cell mobilization.

PubMed

Niesvizky, Ruben; Mark, Tomer M; Ward, Maureen; Jayabalan, David S; Pearse, Roger N; Manco, Megan; Stern, Jessica; Christos, Paul J; Mathews, Lena; Shore, Tsiporah B; Zafar, Faiza; Pekle, Karen; Xiang, Zhaoying; Ely, Scott; Skerret, Donna; Chen-Kiang, Selina; Coleman, Morton; Lane, Maureen E

2013-03-15

This phase II study evaluated bortezomib-based secondary induction and stem cell mobilization in 38 transplant-eligible patients with myeloma who had an incomplete and stalled response to, or had relapsed after, previous immunomodulatory drug-based induction. Patients received up to six 21-day cycles of bortezomib plus dexamethasone, with added liposomal doxorubicin for patients not achieving partial response or better by cycle 2 or very good partial response or better (≥VGPR) by cycle 4 (DoVeD), followed by bortezomib, high-dose cyclophosphamide, and filgrastim mobilization. Gene expression/signaling pathway analyses were conducted in purified CD34+ cells after bortezomib-based mobilization and compared against patients who received only filgrastim ± cyclophosphamide. Plasma samples were similarly analyzed for quantification of associated protein markers. The response rate to DoVeD relative to the pre-DoVeD baseline was 61%, including 39% ≥ VGPR. Deeper responses were achieved in 10 of 27 patients who received bortezomib-based mobilization; postmobilization response rate was 96%, including 48% ≥ VGPR, relative to the pre-DoVeD baseline. Median CD34+ cell yield was 23.2 × 10(6) cells/kg (median of 1 apheresis session). After a median follow-up of 46.6 months, median progression-free survival was 47.1 months from DoVeD initiation; 5-year overall survival rate was 76.4%. Grade ≥ 3 adverse events included thrombocytopenia (13%), hand-foot syndrome (11%), peripheral neuropathy (8%), and neutropenia (5%). Bortezomib-based mobilization was associated with modulated expression of genes involved in stem cell migration. Bortezomib-based secondary induction and mobilization could represent an alternative strategy for elimination of tumor burden in immunomodulatory drug-resistant patients that does not impact stem cell yield.

New methodology for preventing pressure ulcers using actimetry and autonomous nervous system recording.

PubMed

Meffre, R; Gehin, C; Schmitt, P M; De Oliveira, F; Dittmar, A

2006-01-01

Pressure ulcers constitute an important health problem. They affect lots of people with mobility disorder and they are difficult to detect and prevent because the damage begins on the muscle. This paper proposes a new approach to study pressure ulcers. We aim at developing a methodology to analyse the probability for a patient to develop a pressure ulcer, and that can detect risky situation. The idea is to relate the mobility disorder to autonomic nervous system (ANS) trouble. More precisely, the evaluation of the consequence of the discomfort on the ANS (stress induced by discomfort) can be relevant for the early detection of the pressure ulcer. Mobility is evaluated through movement measurement. This evaluation, at the interface between soft living tissues and any support has to consider the specificity of the human environment. Soft living tissues have non-linear mechanical properties making conventional rigid sensors non suitable for interface parameters measurement. A new actimeter system has been designed in order to study movements of the human body whatever its support while seating. The device is based on elementary active cells. The number of pressure cells can be easily adapted to the application. The spatial resolution is about 4 cm(2). In this paper, we compare activity measurement of a seated subject with his autonomic nervous system activity, recorded by E.motion device. It has been developed in order to record six parameters: skin potential, skin resistance, skin temperature, skin blood rate, instantaneous cardiac frequency and instantaneous respiratory frequency. The design, instrumentation, and first results are presented.

Gymnopilin--a substance produced by the hallucinogenic mushroom, Gymnopilus junonius--mobilizes intracellular Ca(2+) in dorsal root ganglion cells.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Shunsuke; Kitamura, Naoki; Nishio, Aiko; Tanaka, Saki; Kayano, Tomohiko; Moriya, Taiki; Ichiyanagi, Tsuyoshi; Shimomura, Norihiro; Shibuya, Izumi; Aimi, Tadanori

2012-04-01

Gymnopilus junonius is a widely spread mushroom in Japan and well known as a hallucinogenic mushroom. Gymnopilin was purified from the fruiting body of G. junonius and was reported to act on the spinal cord and depolarize motoneurons. This is the only evidence that gymnopilin has a biological effect on animals and no mechanism of the action has been determined at all. In this study, we examined effects of gymnopilin on intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) of cultured cells isolated from the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of the rat. The cell culture consisted of neurons and non-neuronal cells. Gymnopilin increased [Ca(2+)](i) in both the types of cells. The gymnopilinevoked [Ca(2+)](i) rise in the non-neuronal cells was inhibited by cyclopiazonic acid and U-73122, inhibitors of Ca(2+)-ATPase of the intracellular Ca(2+) store and phospholipase C, respectively, but not by removal of extracellular Ca(2+). These results indicate that gymnopilin activated phospholipase C and mobilize Ca(2+) from the intracellular Ca(2+) store in non-neuronal cells from the DRG. This is the first report to show that gymnopilin directly acts on cells isolated from the mammalian nervous system.

Systemic spread of an RNA insect virus in plants expressing plant viral movement protein genes

PubMed Central

Dasgupta, Ranjit; Garcia, Bradley H.; Goodman, Robert M.

2001-01-01

Flock house virus (FHV), a single-stranded RNA insect virus, has previously been reported to cross the kingdom barrier and replicate in barley protoplasts and in inoculated leaves of several plant species [Selling, B. H., Allison, R. F. & Kaesberg, P. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87, 434–438]. There was no systemic movement of FHV in plants. We tested the ability of movement proteins (MPs) of plant viruses to provide movement functions and cause systemic spread of FHV in plants. We compared the growth of FHV in leaves of nontransgenic and transgenic plants expressing the MP of tobacco mosaic virus or red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV). Both MPs mobilized cell-to-cell and systemic movement of FHV in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The yield of FHV was more than 100-fold higher in the inoculated leaves of transgenic plants than in the inoculated leaves of nontransgenic plants. In addition, FHV accumulated in the noninoculated upper leaves of both MP-transgenic plants. RCNMV MP was more efficient in mobilizing FHV to noninoculated upper leaves. We also report here that FHV replicates in inoculated leaves of six additional plant species: alfalfa, Arabidopsis, Brassica, cucumber, maize, and rice. Our results demonstrate that plant viral MPs cause cell-to-cell and long-distance movement of an animal virus in plants and offer approaches to the study of the evolution of viruses and mechanisms governing mRNA trafficking in plants as well as to the development of promising vectors for transient expression of foreign genes in plants. PMID:11296259

Cell phone recycling experiences in the United States and potential recycling options in Brazil.

PubMed

Silveira, Geraldo T R; Chang, Shoou-Yuh

2010-11-01

This paper presents an overview of cell phone recycling programs currently available in the United States. At the same time, it also provides analyses of the current recycling situation and possible recycling alternatives for Brazil. Although there are several recycling options in the United States, collection rates are still only 10% of all potential devices because customers are not aware of these possibilities. The whole system is financially based on reselling refurbished cell phones and recycled materials to developing countries which represent an effective and strong market. Several recyclers offer funds to collection partners who are either charities or who work with charities while obtaining the materials that they need in order to run their operations. A mobile phone recycling system for Brazil considering the United States experience and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle is suggested. A deposit/refund/advance-recycling fee is proposed which might be implemented as a voluntary industrial initiative managed by PRO Brazil, a producer responsibility organization. One widespread public-private agreement will integrate all mobile phone stakeholders, and environmental education actions and promotional events will promote citizen's participation. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Assessment of the effector function of CMV-specific CTLs isolated using MHC-multimers from granulocyte-colony stimulating factor mobilized peripheral blood.

PubMed

Beloki, Lorea; Ciaurriz, Miriam; Mansilla, Cristina; Zabalza, Amaya; Perez-Valderrama, Estela; Samuel, Edward R; Lowdell, Mark W; Ramirez, Natalia; Olavarria, Eduardo

2015-05-20

Adoptive transfer of CMV-specific T cells has shown promising results in preventing pathological effects caused by opportunistic CMV infection in immunocompromised patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The majority of studies have used steady-state leukapheresis for CMV-reactive product manufacture, a collection obtained prior to or months after G-CSF mobilization, but the procurement of this additional sample is often not available in the unrelated donor setting. If the cellular product for adoptive immunotherapy could be generated from the same G-CSF mobilized collection, the problems associated with the additional harvest could be overcome. Despite the tolerogenic effects associated with G-CSF mobilization, recent studies described that CMV-primed T cells generated from mobilized donors remain functional. MHC-multimers are potent tools that allow the rapid production of antigen-specific CTLs. Therefore, in the present study we have assessed the feasibility and efficacy of CMV-specific CTL manufacture from G-CSF mobilized apheresis using MHC-multimers. CMV-specific CTLs can be efficiently isolated from G-CSF mobilized samples with Streptamers and are able to express activation markers and produce cytokines in response to antigenic stimulation. However, this anti-viral functionality is moderately reduced when compared to non-mobilized products. The translation of Streptamer technology for the isolation of anti-viral CTLs from G-CSF mobilized PBMCs into clinical practice would widen the number of patients that could benefit from this therapeutic strategy, although our results need to be taken into consideration before the infusion of antigen-specific T cells obtained from G-CSF mobilized samples.

Pten Cell Autonomously Modulates the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Response to Inflammatory Cytokines.

PubMed

Porter, Shaina N; Cluster, Andrew S; Signer, Robert A J; Voigtmann, Jenna; Monlish, Darlene A; Schuettpelz, Laura G; Magee, Jeffrey A

2016-06-14

Pten negatively regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway and is required to maintain quiescent adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Pten has been proposed to regulate HSCs cell autonomously and non-cell autonomously, but the relative importance of each mechanism has not been directly tested. Furthermore, the cytokines that activate the PI3K pathway upstream of Pten are not well defined. We sought to clarify whether Pten cell autonomously or non-cell autonomously regulates HSC mobilization. We also tested whether Pten deficiency affects the HSC response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interferon-α (IFNα) since these cytokines induce HSC mobilization or proliferation, respectively. We show that Pten regulates HSC mobilization and expansion in the spleen primarily via cell-autonomous mechanisms. Pten-deficient HSCs do not require G-CSF to mobilize, although they are hyper-sensitized to even low doses of exogenous G-CSF. Pten-deficient HSCs are similarly sensitized to IFNα. Pten therefore modulates the HSC response to inflammatory cytokines. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Overcoming the response plateau in multiple myeloma: A novel bortezomib-based strategy for secondary induction and high-yield CD34+ stem cell mobilization

PubMed Central

Niesvizky, Ruben; Mark, Tomer M.; Ward, Maureen; Jayabalan, David S.; Pearse, Roger N.; Manco, Megan; Stern, Jessica; Christos, Paul J.; Mathews, Lena; Shore, Tsiporah B.; Zafar, Faiza; Pekle, Karen; Xiang, Zhaoying; Ely, Scott; Skerret, Donna; Chen-Kiang, Selina; Coleman, Morton; Lane, Maureen E.

2014-01-01

Purpose This phase 2 study evaluated bortezomib-based secondary induction and stem cell mobilization in 38 transplant-eligible myeloma patients who had an incomplete and stalled response to, or had relapsed after, previous immunomodulatory drug-based induction. Experimental design Patients received up to six 21-day cycles of bortezomib plus dexamethasone, with added liposomal doxorubicin for patients not achieving partial response or better by cycle 2 or very good partial response or better (≥VGPR) by cycle 4 (DoVeD), followed by bortezomib, high-dose cyclophosphamide, and filgrastim mobilization. Gene expression/signaling pathway analyses were conducted in purified CD34+ cells post-bortezomib-based mobilization and compared against patients who received only filgrastim ± cyclophosphamide. Plasma samples were similarly analyzed for quantification of associated protein markers. Results The response rate to DoVeD relative to the pre-DoVeD baseline was 61%, including 39% ≥VGPR. Deeper responses were achieved in 10 of 27 patients who received bortezomib-based mobilization; post-mobilization response rate was 96%, including 48% ≥VGPR, relative to the pre-DoVeD baseline. Median CD34+ cell yield was 23.2 × 106 cells/kg (median of 1 apheresis session). After a median follow-up of 46.6 months, median progression-free survival was 47.1 months from DoVeD initiation;5-year overall survival rate was 76.4%. Grade ≥3 adverse events included thrombocytopenia (13%), hand-foot syndrome (11%), peripheral neuropathy (8%), and neutropenia (5%). Bortezomib-based mobilization was associated with modulated expression of genes involved in stem cell migration. Conclusion Bortezomib-based secondary induction and mobilization could represent an alternative strategy for elimination of tumor burden in immunomodulatory drug-resistant patients that does not impact stem cell yield. PMID:23357980

Streptolysin O Inhibition of Neutrophil Chemotaxis and Mobility: Nonimmune Phenomenon with Species Specificity

PubMed Central

Van Epps, Dennis E.; Andersen, Burton R.

1974-01-01

The effects of streptolysin O (SO) (1 to 4 hemolytic units) on the mobility of neutrophilic leukocytes from humans, baboons, sheep, and rabbits were compared. After SO treatment, chemotaxis and random mobility of human neutrophils were markedly suppressed, baboon and sheep neutrophils were partially suppressed, and rabbit neutrophils were unaffected and demonstrated normal chemotaxis and mobility. The amounts of SO used in the mobility studies caused no leukocyte lysis or trypan blue uptake by human, baboon, or sheep cells, and minimal lysis or trypan blue uptake by rabbit cells. The possible involvement of immune mediators in the observed inhibition of human neutrophils was considered and excluded by the following studies. White blood cells from humans with humoral or cellular immune deficiencies responded in a manner similar to normal human cells; supernatant solutions from SO-treated human white blood cells did not contain a chemotactic suppressor; preincubation of SO with cholesterol (an inhibitor of SO hemolytic activity) caused loss of the chemotactic suppressive effect of the toxin on human leukocytes; and leukocytes from rabbits preimmunized with SO remained refractory to chemotactic suppression. Images PMID:4128632

SLAM family markers are conserved among hematopoietic stem cells from old and reconstituted mice and markedly increase their purity

PubMed Central

Yilmaz, Ömer H.; Kiel, Mark J.; Morrison, Sean J.

2006-01-01

Recent advances have increased the purity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) isolated from young mouse bone marrow. However, little attention has been paid to the purity of HSCs from other contexts. Although Thy-1lowSca-1+Lineage-c-kit+ cells from young bone marrow are highly enriched for HSCs (1 in 5 cells gives long-term multilineage reconstitution after transplantation into irradiated mice), the same population from old, reconstituted, or cytokine-mobilized mice engrafts much less efficiently (1 in 78 to 1 in 185 cells gives long-term multilineage reconstitution). To test whether we could increase the purity of HSCs isolated from these contexts, we examined the SLAM family markers CD150 and CD48. All detectable HSCs from old, reconstituted, and cyclophosphamide/G-CSF-mobilized mice were CD150+CD48-, just as in normal young bone marrow. Thy-1lowSca-1+Lineage-c-kit+ cells from old, reconstituted, or mobilized mice included mainly CD48+ and/or CD150- cells that lacked reconstituting ability. CD150+CD48-Sca-1+Lineage-c-kit+ cells from old, reconstituted, or mobilized mice were much more highly enriched for HSCs, with 1 in 3 to 1 in 7 cells giving long-term multilineage reconstitution. SLAM family receptor expression is conserved among HSCs from diverse contexts, and HSCs from old, reconstituted, and mobilized mice engraft relatively efficiently after transplantation when contaminating cells are eliminated. PMID:16219798

SLAM family markers are conserved among hematopoietic stem cells from old and reconstituted mice and markedly increase their purity.

PubMed

Yilmaz, Omer H; Kiel, Mark J; Morrison, Sean J

2006-02-01

Recent advances have increased the purity of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) isolated from young mouse bone marrow. However, little attention has been paid to the purity of HSCs from other contexts. Although Thy-1 low Sca-1+ Lineage- c-kit+ cells from young bone marrow are highly enriched for HSCs (1 in 5 cells gives long-term multilineage reconstitution after transplantation into irradiated mice), the same population from old, reconstituted, or cytokine-mobilized mice engrafts much less efficiently (1 in 78 to 1 in 185 cells gives long-term multilineage reconstitution). To test whether we could increase the purity of HSCs isolated from these contexts, we examined the SLAM family markers CD150 and CD48. All detectable HSCs from old, reconstituted, and cyclophosphamide/G-CSF-mobilized mice were CD150+ CD48-, just as in normal young bone marrow. Thy-1 low Sca-1+ Lineage- c-kit+ cells from old, reconstituted, or mobilized mice included mainly CD48+ and/or CD150- cells that lacked reconstituting ability. CD150+ CD48- Sca-1+ Lineage- c-kit+ cells from old, reconstituted, or mobilized mice were much more highly enriched for HSCs, with 1 in 3 to 1 in 7 cells giving long-term multilineage reconstitution. SLAM family receptor expression is conserved among HSCs from diverse contexts, and HSCs from old, reconstituted, and mobilized mice engraft relatively efficiently after transplantation when contaminating cells are eliminated.

Impact of donor hematopoietic cells mobilized with G-CSF and plerixafor on murine acute graft-versus-host-disease.

PubMed

Arbez, Jessy; Saas, Philippe; Lamarthée, Baptiste; Malard, Florent; Couturier, Mélanie; Mohty, Mohamad; Gaugler, Béatrice

2015-07-01

This study aimed to characterize the immune effectors contained in the grafts from donor mice mobilized by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor and to evaluate their impact on the development of acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD). Mobilization was done with G-CSF alone or G-CSF plus plerixafor (G+P). In grafts collected after G+P mobilization, we observed a significantly higher proportion of c-kit(+)Sca-1(+) hematopoietic stem cells compared with G-CSF. A significant increase in the percentage of plasmacytoid dendritic cells was detected in the G+P graft compared with G-CSF graft. We also studied the ability of stem cell grafts mobilized with G+P to induce GVHD in a mouse model. We observed higher mortality (P < 0.001) associated with increased aGVHD clinical score (P < 0.0001) as well as higher pathology score in the intestine of mice receiving G+P as compared with G-CSF grafts (P < 0.001). Moreover, the exacerbated aGVHD severity was associated with upregulation of CCR6 expression on both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from the G+P grafts, as well as on T cells from mice transplanted with G+P grafts. In conclusion, we showed that grafts mobilized with G+P exhibited functional features different from those mobilized with G-CSF alone, which increase the severity of aGVHD in the recipients. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic fields emitted from mobile phones induced DNA damage in human ear canal hair follicle cells.

PubMed

Akdag, Mehmet; Dasdag, Suleyman; Canturk, Fazile; Akdag, Mehmet Zulkuf

2018-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate effect of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted from mobile phones on DNA damage in follicle cells of hair in the ear canal. The study was carried out on 56 men (age range: 30-60 years old)in four treatment groups with n = 14 in each group. The groups were defined as follows: people who did not use a mobile phone (Control), people use mobile phones for 0-30 min/day (second group), people use mobile phones for 30-60 min/day (third group) and people use mobile phones for more than 60 min/day (fourth group). Ear canal hair follicle cells taken from the subjects were analyzed by the Comet Assay to determine DNA damages. The Comet Assay parameters measured were head length, tail length, comet length, percentage of head DNA, tail DNA percentage, tail moment, and Olive tail moment. Results of the study showed that DNA damage indicators were higher in the RFR exposure groups than in the control subjects. In addition, DNA damage increased with the daily duration of exposure. In conclusion, RFR emitted from mobile phones has a potential to produce DNA damage in follicle cells of hair in the ear canal. Therefore, mobile phone users have to pay more attention when using wireless phones.

Combination chemotherapy containing mitoguazone, ifosfamide, methotrexate, etoposide (MIME) and G-CSF efficiently mobilize peripheral blood progenitor cells in heavily pre-treated relapsed lymphoma patients.

PubMed

Aurlien, E; Holte, H; Kvaløy, S; Jakobsen, E; Rusten, L S; Kvalheim, G

2001-07-01

In this study we explored whether a standard chemotherapy regimen consisting of mitoguazone, ifosfamide, methotrexate and etoposide (MIME) combined with 5 micrograms/kg or 10 micrograms/kg G-CSF was capable of mobilizing peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) in lymphoma patients. Thirty-three patients with Hodgkin's disease (HD) and 108 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were mobilized with MIME/G-CSF. Most patients were heavily treated with different chemotherapy regimens receiving a median of 11 cycles (range 3-40) of chemotherapy prior to mobilization. Eight of 141 patients failed to mobilize PBPC and bone marrow was harvested. In addition, 10 patients obtained a harvest of < 2.0 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. More than 2.0 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg were achieved in all HD patients and in 83% of the NHL patients. Fifty-eight per cent of the patients harvested > or = 5 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. Eleven per cent of the patients developed neutropenic fever during the mobilization and 3% had nadir platelet values below 20 x 10(9)/L. An inverse correlation was observed in high-grade NHL (H-NHL) patients between the number of chemotherapy cycles given before mobilization and yield of CD34+ cells. Such an association was not seen among patients with HD, transformed and low-grade NHL. When G-CSF 10 micrograms/kg was used in combination with MIME, this correlation was no longer seen in patients with H-NHL. There was also association between CD34+ cell yield and prior radiotherapy in patients with HD or transformed NHL or low-grade NHL. These results demonstrate that an ordinary salvage chemotherapy regimen, such as MIME combined with G-CSF, can be successfully used to mobilize PBPC. Although no significant effect of increased dose of G-CSF was found, our data suggest that MIME/G-CSF 10 micrograms/kg should preferentially be used to mobilize PBPC in H-NHL patients pre-treated with > or = 12 cycles of chemotherapy, in irradiated HD patients and in all low-grade and transformed lymphomas.

Evidence from lateral mobility studies for dynamic interactions of a mutant influenza hemagglutinin with coated pits.

PubMed

Fire, E; Zwart, D E; Roth, M G; Henis, Y I

1991-12-01

Replacement of cysteine at position 543 by tyrosine in the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) protein enables the endocytosis of the mutant protein (Tyr 543) through coated pits (Lazarovits, J., and M. G. Roth. 1988. Cell. 53:743-752). To investigate the interactions between Tyr 543 and the clathrin coats in the plasma membrane of live cells, we performed fluorescence photobleaching recovery measurements comparing the lateral mobilities of Tyr 543 (which enters coated pits) and wild-type HA (HA wt, which is excluded from coated pits), following their expression in CV-1 cells by SV-40 vectors. While both proteins exhibited the same high mobile fractions, the lateral diffusion rate of Tyr 543 was significantly slower than that of HA wt. Incubation of the cells in a sucrose-containing hypertonic medium, a treatment that disperses the membrane-associated coated pits, resulted in similar lateral mobilities for Tyr 543 and HA wt. These findings indicate that the lateral motion of Tyr 543 (but not of HA wt) is inhibited by transient interactions with coated pits (which are essentially immobile on the time scale of the lateral mobility measurements). Acidification of the cytoplasm by prepulsing the cells with NH4Cl (a treatment that arrests the pinching-off of coated vesicles from the plasma membrane and alters the clathrin lattice morphology) led to immobilization of a significant part of the Tyr 543 molecules, presumably due to their entrapment in coated pits for the entire duration of the lateral mobility measurement. Furthermore, in both untreated and cytosol-acidified cells, the restrictions on Tyr 543 mobility were less pronounced in the cold, suggesting that the mobility-restricting interactions are temperature dependent and become weaker at low temperatures. From these studies we conclude the following. (a) Lateral mobility measurements are capable of detecting interactions of transmembrane proteins with coated pits in intact cells. (b) The interactions of Tyr 543 with coated pits are dynamic, involving multiple entries of Tyr 543 molecules into and out of coated pits. (c) Alterations in the clathrin lattice structure can modulate the above interactions.

Increases in 1H-NMR mobile lipids are not always associated with overt apoptosis: evidence from MG-63 human osteosarcoma three-dimensional spheroids exposed to a low dose (2 Gy) of ionizing radiation.

PubMed

Santini, Maria Teresa; Romano, Rocco; Rainaldi, Gabriella; Ferrante, Antonella; Motta, Andrea; Indovina, Pietro Luigi

2006-02-01

The metabolic changes that occur in MG-63 osteosarcoma three-dimensional tumor spheroids exposed to 2 Gy of ionizing radiation, a dose that is comparable to radiation therapy, were studied using high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR) spectroscopy. Specifically, the (1)H-NMR spectra of control and exposed MG-63 spheroids were compared. Small spheroids (about 50-80 microm in diameter) with no hypoxic center were used. The spectra of whole MG-63 spheroids as well as the perchloric acid extracts of these systems were evaluated. Cell damage was also examined by lactate dehydrogenase release and changes in cell growth. No cell damage was observed, but numerous metabolic changes took place in spheroids after exposure to ionizing radiation. In particular, significant increases in both CH(2) and CH(3) mobile lipids, considered by many authors as markers of apoptosis and also present in MG-63 spheroids undergoing overt apoptosis, were observed in spheroids irradiated with 2 Gy. However, the chromatin dye Hoechst 33258 and DNA fragmentation assays showed no overt apoptosis up to 7 days after irradiation with this low dose. Thus it is evident that increases in mobile lipids do not always indicate actual cell death. A detailed analysis of the other metabolic changes observed appears to suggest that the cell death program was initiated but not completed. In fact, the completely different behavior of two important cellular defense mechanisms, reduced glutathione and taurine, in spheroids irradiated with 2 Gy and in those undergoing overt apoptosis seems to indicate that these systems are protecting spheroids from actual cell death. In addition, these data also suggest that (1)H-NMR can be used to examine the effects of low doses of ionizing radiation in spheroids, a cell model of great complexity that closely resembles tumors in vivo. The importance of this possibility in relation to reaching the ultimate goal of a better evaluation of the outcome of radiotherapy protocols should not be ignored.

Agent-Based Modeling of Mitochondria Links Sub-Cellular Dynamics to Cellular Homeostasis and Heterogeneity.

PubMed

Dalmasso, Giovanni; Marin Zapata, Paula Andrea; Brady, Nathan Ryan; Hamacher-Brady, Anne

2017-01-01

Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles that supply energy for cellular biochemistry through oxidative phosphorylation. Within a cell, hundreds of mobile mitochondria undergo fusion and fission events to form a dynamic network. These morphological and mobility dynamics are essential for maintaining mitochondrial functional homeostasis, and alterations both impact and reflect cellular stress states. Mitochondrial homeostasis is further dependent on production (biogenesis) and the removal of damaged mitochondria by selective autophagy (mitophagy). While mitochondrial function, dynamics, biogenesis and mitophagy are highly-integrated processes, it is not fully understood how systemic control in the cell is established to maintain homeostasis, or respond to bioenergetic demands. Here we used agent-based modeling (ABM) to integrate molecular and imaging knowledge sets, and simulate population dynamics of mitochondria and their response to environmental energy demand. Using high-dimensional parameter searches we integrated experimentally-measured rates of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, and using sensitivity analysis we identified parameter influences on population homeostasis. By studying the dynamics of cellular subpopulations with distinct mitochondrial masses, our approach uncovered system properties of mitochondrial populations: (1) mitochondrial fusion and fission activities rapidly establish mitochondrial sub-population homeostasis, and total cellular levels of mitochondria alter fusion and fission activities and subpopulation distributions; (2) restricting the directionality of mitochondrial mobility does not alter morphology subpopulation distributions, but increases network transmission dynamics; and (3) maintaining mitochondrial mass homeostasis and responding to bioenergetic stress requires the integration of mitochondrial dynamics with the cellular bioenergetic state. Finally, (4) our model suggests sources of, and stress conditions amplifying, cell-to-cell variability of mitochondrial morphology and energetic stress states. Overall, our modeling approach integrates biochemical and imaging knowledge, and presents a novel open-modeling approach to investigate how spatial and temporal mitochondrial dynamics contribute to functional homeostasis, and how subcellular organelle heterogeneity contributes to the emergence of cell heterogeneity.

Agent-Based Modeling of Mitochondria Links Sub-Cellular Dynamics to Cellular Homeostasis and Heterogeneity

PubMed Central

Dalmasso, Giovanni; Marin Zapata, Paula Andrea; Brady, Nathan Ryan; Hamacher-Brady, Anne

2017-01-01

Mitochondria are semi-autonomous organelles that supply energy for cellular biochemistry through oxidative phosphorylation. Within a cell, hundreds of mobile mitochondria undergo fusion and fission events to form a dynamic network. These morphological and mobility dynamics are essential for maintaining mitochondrial functional homeostasis, and alterations both impact and reflect cellular stress states. Mitochondrial homeostasis is further dependent on production (biogenesis) and the removal of damaged mitochondria by selective autophagy (mitophagy). While mitochondrial function, dynamics, biogenesis and mitophagy are highly-integrated processes, it is not fully understood how systemic control in the cell is established to maintain homeostasis, or respond to bioenergetic demands. Here we used agent-based modeling (ABM) to integrate molecular and imaging knowledge sets, and simulate population dynamics of mitochondria and their response to environmental energy demand. Using high-dimensional parameter searches we integrated experimentally-measured rates of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, and using sensitivity analysis we identified parameter influences on population homeostasis. By studying the dynamics of cellular subpopulations with distinct mitochondrial masses, our approach uncovered system properties of mitochondrial populations: (1) mitochondrial fusion and fission activities rapidly establish mitochondrial sub-population homeostasis, and total cellular levels of mitochondria alter fusion and fission activities and subpopulation distributions; (2) restricting the directionality of mitochondrial mobility does not alter morphology subpopulation distributions, but increases network transmission dynamics; and (3) maintaining mitochondrial mass homeostasis and responding to bioenergetic stress requires the integration of mitochondrial dynamics with the cellular bioenergetic state. Finally, (4) our model suggests sources of, and stress conditions amplifying, cell-to-cell variability of mitochondrial morphology and energetic stress states. Overall, our modeling approach integrates biochemical and imaging knowledge, and presents a novel open-modeling approach to investigate how spatial and temporal mitochondrial dynamics contribute to functional homeostasis, and how subcellular organelle heterogeneity contributes to the emergence of cell heterogeneity. PMID:28060865

Recovery Act: Advanced Direct Methanol Fuel Cell for Mobile Computing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fletcher, James H.; Cox, Philip; Harrington, William J

2013-09-03

ABSTRACT Project Title: Recovery Act: Advanced Direct Methanol Fuel Cell for Mobile Computing PROJECT OBJECTIVE The objective of the project was to advance portable fuel cell system technology towards the commercial targets of power density, energy density and lifetime. These targets were laid out in the DOE’s R&D roadmap to develop an advanced direct methanol fuel cell power supply that meets commercial entry requirements. Such a power supply will enable mobile computers to operate non-stop, unplugged from the wall power outlet, by using the high energy density of methanol fuel contained in a replaceable fuel cartridge. Specifically this project focusedmore » on balance-of-plant component integration and miniaturization, as well as extensive component, subassembly and integrated system durability and validation testing. This design has resulted in a pre-production power supply design and a prototype that meet the rigorous demands of consumer electronic applications. PROJECT TASKS The proposed work plan was designed to meet the project objectives, which corresponded directly with the objectives outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement: To engineer the fuel cell balance-of-plant and packaging to meet the needs of consumer electronic systems, specifically at power levels required for mobile computing. UNF used existing balance-of-plant component technologies developed under its current US Army CERDEC project, as well as a previous DOE project completed by PolyFuel, to further refine them to both miniaturize and integrate their functionality to increase the system power density and energy density. Benefits of UNF’s novel passive water recycling MEA (membrane electrode assembly) and the simplified system architecture it enabled formed the foundation of the design approach. The package design was hardened to address orientation independence, shock, vibration, and environmental requirements. Fuel cartridge and fuel subsystems were improved to ensure effective fuel containment. PROJECT OVERVIEW The University of North Florida (UNF), with project partner the University of Florida, recently completed the Department of Energy (DOE) project entitled “Advanced Direct Methanol Fuel Cell for Mobile Computing”. The primary objective of the project was to advance portable fuel cell system technology towards the commercial targets as laid out in the DOE R&D roadmap by developing a 20-watt, direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), portable power supply based on the UNF innovative “passive water recovery” MEA. Extensive component, sub-system, and system development and testing was undertaken to meet the rigorous demands of the consumer electronic application. Numerous brassboard (nonpackaged) systems were developed to optimize the integration process and facilitating control algorithm development. The culmination of the development effort was a fully-integrated, DMFC, power supply (referred to as DP4). The project goals were 40 W/kg for specific power, 55 W/l for power density, and 575 Whr/l for energy density. It should be noted that the specific power and power density were for the power section only, and did not include the hybrid battery. The energy density is based on three, 200 ml, fuel cartridges, and also did not include the hybrid battery. The results show that the DP4 system configured without the methanol concentration sensor exceeded all performance goals, achieving 41.5 W/kg for specific power, 55.3 W/l for power density, and 623 Whr/l for energy density. During the project, the DOE revised its technical targets, and the definition of many of these targets, for the portable power application. With this revision, specific power, power density, specific energy (Whr/kg), and energy density are based on the total system, including fuel tank, fuel, and hybridization battery. Fuel capacity is not defined, but the same value is required for all calculations. Test data showed that the DP4 exceeded all 2011 Technical Status values; for example, the DP4 energy density was 373 Whr/l versus the DOE 2011 status of 200 Whr/l. For the DOE 2013 Technical Goals, the operation time was increased from 10 hours to 14.3 hours. Under these conditions, the DP4 closely approached or surpassed the technical targets; for example, the DP4 achieved 468 Whr/l versus the goal of 500 Whr/l. Thus, UNF has successfully met the project goals. A fully-operational, 20-watt DMFC power supply was developed based on the UNF passive water recovery MEA. The power supply meets the project performance goals and advances portable power technology towards the commercialization targets set by the DOE.« less

CX3CR1-dependent recruitment of mature NK cells into the central nervous system contributes to control autoimmune neuroinflammation.

PubMed

Hertwig, Laura; Hamann, Isabell; Romero-Suarez, Silvina; Millward, Jason M; Pietrek, Rebekka; Chanvillard, Coralie; Stuis, Hanna; Pollok, Karolin; Ransohoff, Richard M; Cardona, Astrid E; Infante-Duarte, Carmen

2016-08-01

Fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1)-deficient mice develop very severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), associated with impaired NK cell recruitment into the CNS. Yet, the precise implications of NK cells in autoimmune neuroinflammation remain elusive. Here, we investigated the pattern of NK cell mobilization and the contribution of CX3CR1 to NK cell dynamics in the EAE. We show that in both wild-type and CX3CR1-deficient EAE mice, NK cells are mobilized from the periphery and accumulate in the inflamed CNS. However, in CX3CR1-deficient mice, the infiltrated NK cells displayed an immature phenotype contrasting with the mature infiltrates in WT mice. This shift in the immature/mature CNS ratio contributes to EAE exacerbation in CX3CR1-deficient mice, since transfer of mature WT NK cells prior to immunization exerted a protective effect and normalized the CNS NK cell ratio. Moreover, mature CD11b(+) NK cells show higher degranulation in the presence of autoreactive 2D2 transgenic CD4(+) T cells and kill these autoreactive cells more efficiently than the immature CD11b(-) fraction. Together, these data suggest a protective role of mature NK cells in EAE, possibly through direct modulation of T cells inside the CNS, and demonstrate that mature and immature NK cells are recruited into the CNS by distinct chemotactic signals. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Utilization of methanol for polymer electrolyte fuel cells in mobile systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, V. M.; Brockerhoff, P.; Hohlein, B.; Menzer, R.; Stimming, U.

1994-04-01

The constantly growing volume of road traffic requires the introduction of new vehicle propulsion systems with higher efficiency and drastically reduced emission rates. As part of the fuel cell programme of the Research Centre Julich a vehicle propulsion system with methanol as secondary energy carrier and a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) as the main component for energy conversion is developed. The fuel gas is produced by a heterogeneously catalyzed steam reforming reaction in which methanol is converted to H2, CO and CO2. The required energy is provided by the catalytic conversion of methanol for both heating up the system and reforming methanol. The high CO content of the fuel gas requires further processing of the gas or the development of new electrocatalysts for the anode. Various Pt-Ru alloys show promising behaviour as CO-tolerant anodes. The entire fuel cell system is discussed in terms of energy and emission balances. The development of important components is described and experimental results are discussed.

Activity and Ca2+ regulate the mobility of TRPV1 channels in the plasma membrane of sensory neurons

PubMed Central

Senning, Eric N; Gordon, Sharona E

2015-01-01

TRPV1 channels are gated by a variety of thermal, chemical, and mechanical stimuli. We used optical recording of Ca2+ influx through TRPV1 to measure activity and mobility of single TRPV1 molecules in isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons and cell lines. The opening of single TRPV1 channels produced sparklets, representing localized regions of elevated Ca2+. Unlike sparklets reported for L-type Ca2+ channels, TRPV4 channels, and AchR channels, TRPV1 channels diffused laterally in the plasma membrane as they gated. Mobility was highly variable from channel-to-channel and, to a smaller extent, from cell to cell. Most surprisingly, we found that mobility decreased upon channel activation by capsaicin, but only in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. We propose that decreased mobility of open TRPV1 could act as a diffusion trap to concentrate channels in cell regions with high activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03819.001 PMID:25569155

A mobile information management system used in textile enterprises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, C.-R.; Yu, W.-D.

2008-02-01

The mobile information management system (MIMS) for textile enterprises is based on Microsoft Visual Studios. NET2003 Server, Microsoft SQL Server 2000, C++ language and wireless application protocol (WAP) and wireless markup language (WML) technology. The portable MIMS is composed of three-layer structures, i.e. showing layer; operating layer; and data visiting layer corresponding to the port-link module; processing module; and database module. By using the MIMS, not only the information exchanges become more convenient and easier, but also the compatible between the giant information capacity and a micro-cell phone and functional expansion nature in operating and designing can be realized by means of build-in units. The development of MIMS is suitable for the utilization in textile enterprises.

Galectin-3 alters the lateral mobility and clustering of β1-integrin receptors

PubMed Central

Yang, Esther H.; Rode, Julia; Howlader, Md. Amran; Eckermann, Marina; Santos, Jobette T.; Hernandez Armada, Daniel; Zheng, Ruixiang; Zou, Chunxia

2017-01-01

Glycoprotein receptors are influenced by myriad intermolecular interactions at the cell surface. Specific glycan structures may interact with endogenous lectins that enforce or disrupt receptor-receptor interactions. Glycoproteins bound by multivalent lectins may form extended oligomers or lattices, altering the lateral mobility of the receptor and influencing its function through endocytosis or changes in activation. In this study, we have examined the interaction of Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a human lectin, with adhesion receptors. We measured the effect of recombinant Gal-3 added exogenously on the lateral mobility of the α5β1 integrin on HeLa cells. Using single-particle tracking (SPT) we detected increased lateral mobility of the integrin in the presence of Gal-3, while its truncated C-terminal domain (Gal-3C) showed only minor reductions in lateral mobility. Treatment of cells with Gal-3 increased β1-integrin mediated migration with no apparent changes in viability. In contrast, Gal-3C decreased both cell migration and viability. Fluorescence microscopy allowed us to confirm that exogenous Gal-3 resulted in reorganization of the integrin into larger clusters. We used a proteomics analysis to confirm that cells expressed endogenous Gal-3, and found that addition of competitive oligosaccharide ligands for the lectin altered the lateral mobility of the integrin. Together, our results are consistent with a Gal-3–integrin lattice model of binding and confirm that the lateral mobility of integrins is natively regulated, in part, by galectins. PMID:29016609

Authomatization of Digital Collection Access Using Mobile and Wireless Data Terminals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leontiev, I. V.

Information technologies become vital due to information processing needs, database access, data analysis and decision support. Currently, a lot of scientific projects are oriented on database integration of heterogeneous systems. The problem of on-line and rapid access to large integrated systems of digital collections is also very important. Usually users move between different locations, either at work or at home. In most cases users need an efficient and remote access to information, stored in integrated data collections. Desktop computers are unable to fulfill the needs, so mobile and wireless devices become helpful. Handhelds and data terminals are nessessary in medical assistance (they store detailed information about each patient, and helpful for nurses), immediate access to data collections is used in a Highway patrol services (databanks of cars, owners, driver licences). Using mobile access, warehouse operations can be validated. Library and museum items cyclecounting will speed up using online barcode-scanning and central database access. That's why mobile devices - cell phones, PDA, handheld computers with wireless access, WindowsCE and PalmOS terminals become popular. Generally, mobile devices have a relatively slow processor, and limited display capabilities, but they are effective for storing and displaying textual data, recognize user hand-writing with stylus, support GUI. Users can perform operations on handheld terminal, and exchange data with the main system (using immediate radio access, or offline access during syncronization process) for update. In our report, we give an approach for mobile access to data collections, which raises an efficiency of data processing in a book library, helps to control available books, books in stock, validate service charges, eliminate staff mistakes, generate requests for book delivery. Our system uses mobile devices Symbol RF (with radio-channel access), and data terminals Symbol Palm Terminal for batch-processing and synchronization with remote library databases. We discuss the use of PalmOS-compatible devices, and WindowsCE terminals. Our software system is based on modular, scalable three-tier architecture. Additional functionality can be easily customized. Scalability is also supplied by Internet / Intranet technologies, and radio-access points. The base module of the system supports generic warehouse operations: cyclecounting with handheld barcode-scanners, efficient items delivery and issue, item movement, reserving, report generating on finished and in-process operations. Movements are optimized using worker's current location, operations are sorted in a priority order and transmitted to mobile and wireless worker's terminals. Mobile terminals improve of tasks processing control, eliminate staff mistakes, display actual information about main processes, provide data for online-reports, and significantly raise the efficiency of data exchange.

Results of a Prospective Randomized, Open-Label, Noninferiority Study of Tbo-Filgrastim (Granix) versus Filgrastim (Neupogen) in Combination with Plerixafor for Autologous Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

PubMed

Bhamidipati, Pavan Kumar; Fiala, Mark A; Grossman, Brenda J; DiPersio, John F; Stockerl-Goldstein, Keith; Gao, Feng; Uy, Geoffrey L; Westervelt, Peter; Schroeder, Mark A; Cashen, Amanda F; Abboud, Camille N; Vij, Ravi

2017-12-01

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) improves survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Traditionally, filgrastim (Neupogen; recombinant G-CSF) has been used in as a single agent or in combination with plerixafor for stem cell mobilization for auto-HSCT. In Europe, a biosimilar recombinant G-CSF (Tevagrastim) has been approved for various indications similar to those of reference filgrastim, including stem cell mobilization for auto-HSCT; however, in the United States, tbo-filgrastim (Granix) is registered under the original biological application and is not approved for stem cell mobilization. In retrospective studies, stem cell mobilization with tbo-filgrastim has shown similar efficacy and toxicity as filgrastim, but no prospective studies have been published to date. We have conducted the first prospective randomized trial comparing the safety and efficacy of tbo-filgrastim in combination with plerixafor with that of filgrastim in combination with plerixafor for stem cell mobilization in patients with MM and NHL. This is a phase 2 prospective randomized (1:1) open-label single-institution noninferiority study of tbo-filgrastim and filgrastim with plerixafor in patients with MM or NHL undergoing auto-HSCT. Here 10 µg/kg/day of tbo-filgrastim/filgrastim was administered s.c. for 5 days (days 1 to 5). On day 4 at approximately 1800 hours, 0.24 mg/kg of plerixafor was administered s.c. Apheresis was performed on day 5 with a target cumulative collection goal of at least 5.0 × 10 6 CD34 + cells/kg. The primary objective was to compare day 5 CD34 +  cells/kg collected. Secondary objectives included other mobilization endpoints, safety, engraftment outcomes, and hospital readmission rate. A total of 97 evaluable patients were enrolled (tbo-filgrastim, n = 46; filgrastim, n = 51). Tbo-filgrastim was not inferior to filgrastim in terms of day 5 CD34 +  cell collection (mean, 11.6 ± 6.7 CD34 + cells/kg versus 10.0  ± 6.8 CD34 + cells/kg. Multivariate analysis revealed a trend toward increased mobilization in the tbo-filgrastim arm, but this was not statistically significant. The tbo-filgrastim and filgrastim arms were similar in all secondary endpoints. Tbo-filgrastim is not inferior in efficacy and has similar safety compared to reference filgrastim when used for stem cell mobilization in patients with MM and NHL. Granix can be safely used instead of Neupogen for stem cell collection in patients undergoing auto-HSCT for MM or NHL. The study is registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02098109. Copyright © 2017 The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transplanted Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Mobilized by Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Promoted Hindlimb Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in Mice.

PubMed

Takahashi, Hiroshi; Koda, Masao; Hashimoto, Masayuki; Furuya, Takeo; Sakuma, Tsuyoshi; Kato, Kei; Okawa, Akihiko; Inada, Taigo; Kamiya, Koshiro; Ota, Mitsutoshi; Maki, Satoshi; Takahashi, Kazuhisa; Yamazaki, Masashi; Mannoji, Chikato

2016-01-01

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilizes peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) derived from bone marrow. We hypothesized that intraspinal transplantation of PBSCs mobilized by G-CSF could promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Spinal cords of adult nonobese diabetes/severe immunodeficiency mice were injured using an Infinite Horizon impactor (60 kdyn). One week after the injury, 3.0 µl of G-CSF-mobilized human mononuclear cells (MNCs; 0.5 × 10(5)/µl), G-CSF-mobilized human CD34-positive PBSCs (CD34; 0.5 × 10(5)/µl), or normal saline was injected to the lesion epicenter. We performed immunohistochemistry. Locomotor recovery was assessed by Basso Mouse Scale. The number of transplanted human cells decreased according to the time course. The CD31-positive area was significantly larger in the MNC and CD34 groups compared with the vehicle group. The number of serotonin-positive fibers was significantly larger in the MNC and CD34 groups than in the vehicle group. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the number of apoptotic oligodendrocytes was significantly smaller in cell-transplanted groups, and the areas of demyelination in the MNC- and CD34-transplanted mice were smaller than that in the vehicle group, indicating that cell transplantation suppressed oligodendrocyte apoptosis and demyelination. Both the MNC and CD34 groups showed significantly better hindlimb functional recovery compared with the vehicle group. There was no significant difference between the two types of transplanted cells. Intraspinal transplantation of G-CSF-mobilized MNCs or CD34-positive cells promoted angiogenesis, serotonergic fiber regeneration/sparing, and preservation of myelin, resulting in improved hindlimb function after spinal cord injury in comparison with vehicle-treated control mice. Transplantation of G-CSF-mobilized PBSCs has advantages for treatment of spinal cord injury in the ethical and immunological viewpoints, although further exploration is needed to move forward to clinical application.

Biosimilar G-CSF versus filgrastim and lenograstim in healthy unrelated volunteer hematopoietic stem cell donors.

PubMed

Farhan, Roiya; Urbanowska, Elżbieta; Zborowska, Hanna; Król, Małgorzata; Król, Maria; Torosian, Tigran; Piotrowska, Iwona; Bogusz, Krzysztof; Skwierawska, Kamila; Wiktor-Jędrzejczak, Wiesław; Snarski, Emilian

2017-10-01

The World Marrow Donor Organization recommends original granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for the mobilization of stem cells in healthy unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donors. We report the comparison of a biosimilar G-CSF (Zarzio) with two original G-CSFs (filgrastim and lenograstim) in mobilization in unrelated donors. We included data of 313 consecutive donors who were mobilized during the period from October 2014 to March 2016 at the Medical University of Warsaw. The primary endpoints of this study were the efficiency of CD34+ cell mobilization to the circulation and results of the first apheresis. The mean daily dose of G-CSF was 9.1 μg/kg for lenograstim, 9.8 μg/kg for biosimilar filgrastim, and 9.3 μg/kg for filgrastim (p < 0.001). The mean CD34+ cell number per microliter in the blood before the first apheresis was 111 for lenograstim, 119 for biosimilar filgrastim, and 124 for filgrastim (p = 0.354); the mean difference was even less significant when comparing CD34+ number per dose of G-CSF per kilogram (p = 0.787). Target doses of CD34+ cells were reached with one apheresis in 87% donors mobilized with lenograstim and in 93% donors mobilized with original and biosimilar filgrastim (p = 0.005). The mobilized apheresis outcomes (mean number of CD34+ cells/kg of donor collected during the first apheresis) was similar with lenograstim, biosimilar filgrastim, and filgrastim: 6.2 × 10 6 , 7.6 × 10 6 , and 7.3 × 10 6 , respectively, p = 0.06. There was no mobilization failure in any of the donors. Biosimilar G-CSF is as effective in the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells in unrelated donors as original G-CSFs. Small and clinically irrelevant differences seen in the study can be attributed to differences in G-CSF dose and collection-related factors. Active safety surveillance concurrent to clinical use and reporting to donor outcome registry (e.g., EBMT donor outcome registry or WMDA SEAR/SPEAR) might help to evaluate the possible short- and long-term complications of biosimilar G-CSF.

Designing e-Education Supports in e-Health Based Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nicholas, Ikhu-Omoregbe

2008-01-01

The inadequate availability of medical information has often made health care services in many developing countries cumbersome with enormous paper work, waste of life, time and resources, long queues, and ineffective treatment procedures. The use of mobile technology devices such as Personal Digital Assistants, Cell phone, Tablet PCs, etc. for…

Web and Mobile Based HIV Prevention and Intervention Programs Pros and Cons - A Review.

PubMed

Niakan, Sharareh; Mehraeen, Esmaeil; Noori, Tayebeh; Gozali, Elahe

2017-01-01

With the increasing growth of HIV positive people the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) can play an important role in controlling the spread of the AIDS. Web and Mobile are the new technologies that young people take advantage from them. In this study a review to investigate the web and mobile based HIV prevention and intervention programs was carried out. A scoping review was conducted including PubMed, Science direct, Web of Science and Proquest to find relevant sources that published in 2009 to 2016. To identify published, original research that reported the web and mobile-based HIV prevention and intervention programs, an organized search was conducted with the following search keywords in combination: HIV, AIDS, m-Health, Mobile phone, Cell phone, Smartphone, Mobile health, internet, and web. Using the employed strategies, 173 references retrieved. Searched articles were compared based on their titles and abstracts. To identify duplicated articles, the title and abstracts were considered and 101 duplicated references were excluded. By going through the full text of related papers, 35 articles were found to be more related to the questions of this paper from which 72 final included. The advantages of web and mobile-based interventions include the possibility to provide constancy in the delivery of an intervention, impending low cost, and the ability to spread the intervention to an extensive community. Online programs such as Chat room-based Education program, Web-based therapeutic education system, and Online seek information can use for HIV/AIDS prevention. To use of mobile for HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention, programs including in: Health system focused applications, Population health focused applications, and Health messaging can be used.

Vitronectin as a Micromanager of Cell Response in Material-Driven Fibronectin Nanonetworks.

PubMed

Cantini, Marco; Gomide, Karina; Moulisova, Vladimira; González-García, Cristina; Salmerón-Sánchez, Manuel

2017-09-01

Surface functionalization strategies of synthetic materials for regenerative medicine applications comprise the development of microenvironments that recapitulate the physical and biochemical cues of physiological extracellular matrices. In this context, material-driven fibronectin (FN) nanonetworks obtained from the adsorption of the protein on poly(ethyl acrylate) provide a robust system to control cell behavior, particularly to enhance differentiation. This study aims at augmenting the complexity of these fibrillar matrices by introducing vitronectin, a lower-molecular-weight multifunctional glycoprotein and main adhesive component of serum. A cooperative effect during co-adsorption of the proteins is observed, as the addition of vitronectin leads to increased fibronectin adsorption, improved fibril formation, and enhanced vitronectin exposure. The mobility of the protein at the material interface increases, and this, in turn, facilitates the reorganization of the adsorbed FN by cells. Furthermore, the interplay between interface mobility and engagement of vitronectin receptors controls the level of cell fusion and the degree of cell differentiation. Ultimately, this work reveals that substrate-induced protein interfaces resulting from the cooperative adsorption of fibronectin and vitronectin fine-tune cell behavior, as vitronectin micromanages the local properties of the microenvironment and consequently short-term cell response to the protein interface and higher order cellular functions such as differentiation.

Heterologous Expression of Toxins from Bacterial Toxin-Antitoxin Systems in Eukaryotic Cells: Strategies and Applications

PubMed Central

Yeo, Chew Chieng; Abu Bakar, Fauziah; Chan, Wai Ting; Espinosa, Manuel; Harikrishna, Jennifer Ann

2016-01-01

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are found in nearly all prokaryotic genomes and usually consist of a pair of co-transcribed genes, one of which encodes a stable toxin and the other, its cognate labile antitoxin. Certain environmental and physiological cues trigger the degradation of the antitoxin, causing activation of the toxin, leading either to the death or stasis of the host cell. TA systems have a variety of functions in the bacterial cell, including acting as mediators of programmed cell death, the induction of a dormant state known as persistence and the stable maintenance of plasmids and other mobile genetic elements. Some bacterial TA systems are functional when expressed in eukaryotic cells and this has led to several innovative applications, which are the subject of this review. Here, we look at how bacterial TA systems have been utilized for the genetic manipulation of yeasts and other eukaryotes, for the containment of genetically modified organisms, and for the engineering of high expression eukaryotic cell lines. We also examine how TA systems have been adopted as an important tool in developmental biology research for the ablation of specific cells and the potential for utility of TA systems in antiviral and anticancer gene therapies. PMID:26907343

Development of a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer-ion mobility spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bluhm, Brian K.; Gillig, Kent J.; Russell, David H.

2000-11-01

In an effort to incorporate ion-molecule reaction chemistry with ion mobility measurements we designed and constructed a novel instrument that combines a Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) mass spectrometer with an ion mobility drift cell and a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Measured mobilities for Ar+ and CO+ in helium are in excellent agreement with accepted literature values demonstrating that there are no adverse effects from the magnetic field on ion mobility measurements. Drift cell pressure, extracted from the measured mobility of Ar+ in helium, indicate that a pressure of ˜0.25 Torr is achieved in the present configuration. There are significant technological challenges associated with combining ICR and ion mobility that occurred during construction of this instrument, such as differential pumping and aperture alignment are presented.

Extraction of Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen from Seawater by an Electrochemical Acidification Cell. Part 4. Electrode Compartments of Cell Modified and Tested in Scaled-Up Mobile Unit

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-03

Electrochemical Acidification Cell Part IV: Electrode Compartments of Cell Modified and Tested in Scaled-Up Mobile Unit September 3, 2013 Approved for public...OF ABSTRACT Extraction of Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen from Seawater by an Electrochemical Acidification Cell Part IV: Electrode Compartments of Cell...Electrochemical acidification cell Carbon dioxide Hydrogen Polarity reversal An electrochemical acidification cell was scaled-up and integrated into a

MessageSpace: a messaging system for health research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escobar, Rodrigo D.; Akopian, David; Parra-Medina, Deborah; Esparza, Laura

2013-03-01

Mobile Health (mHealth) has emerged as a promising direction for delivery of healthcare services via mobile communication devices such as cell phones. Examples include texting-based interventions for chronic disease monitoring, diabetes management, control of hypertension, smoking cessation, monitoring medication adherence, appointment keeping and medical test result delivery; as well as improving patient-provider communication, health information communication, data collection and access to health records. While existing messaging systems very well support bulk messaging and some polling applications, they are not designed for data collection and processing of health research oriented studies. For that reason known studies based on text-messaging campaigns have been constrained in participant numbers. In order to empower healthcare promotion and education research, this paper presents a system dedicated for healthcare research. It is designed for convenient communication with various study groups, feedback collection and automated processing.

Hydrodynamic interaction of two particles in confined linear shear flow at finite Reynolds number

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yiguang; Morris, Jeffrey F.; Koplik, Joel

2007-11-01

We discuss the hydrodynamic interactions of two solid bodies placed in linear shear flow between parallel plane walls in a periodic geometry at finite Reynolds number. The computations are based on the lattice Boltzmann method for particulate flow, validated here by comparison to previous results for a single particle. Most of our results pertain to cylinders in two dimensions but some examples are given for spheres in three dimensions. Either one mobile and one fixed particle or else two mobile particles are studied. The motion of a mobile particle is qualitatively similar in both cases at early times, exhibiting either trajectory reversal or bypass, depending upon the initial vector separation of the pair. At longer times, if a mobile particle does not approach a periodic image of the second, its trajectory tends to a stable limit point on the symmetry axis. The effect of interactions with periodic images is to produce nonconstant asymptotic long-time trajectories. For one free particle interacting with a fixed second particle within the unit cell, the free particle may either move to a fixed point or take up a limit cycle. Pairs of mobile particles starting from symmetric initial conditions are shown to asymptotically reach either fixed points, or mirror image limit cycles within the unit cell, or to bypass one another (and periodic images) indefinitely on a streamwise periodic trajectory. The limit cycle possibility requires finite Reynolds number and arises as a consequence of streamwise periodicity when the system length is sufficiently short.

Components of the cellular defense and detoxification system of the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis (Mollusca, Cephalopoda).

PubMed

Beuerlein, Knut; Löhr, Sandra; Westermann, Bettina; Ruth, Peter; Schipp, Rudolf

2002-12-01

Endocytotic-active cells in the branchial heart complex of Sepia officinalis were studied by in situ injection of different types of xenobiotics and by in vitro perfusion of the organ complex with a bacterial suspension. The rhogocytes (ovoid cells) ingest particles of all tested sizes by endocytosis and phagocytosis. The hemocytes of the circulating blood and the adhesive hemocytes in the wall of the branchial heart incorporate all tested kinds of foreign materials, including bacterial cells due to phagocytosis achieved by the triangular mesenchymatic cells. The ultrastructural findings also give strong evidence that the triangular mesenchymatic cells are fixed hemocytes that have migrated into the branchial heart tissue. The ingestion and digestion of allogeneic substances and bacteria or their debris by rhogocytes and/or all (forms of) hemocytes suggests the involvement of these either fixed or mobile endocytotic-active cells in the defense and detoxification system of cephalopods.

Novel agents and approaches for stem cell mobilization in normal donors and patients.

PubMed

Bakanay, Ş M; Demirer, T

2012-09-01

In spite of the safety and efficiency of the classical mobilization protocols, recombinant human G-CSF±chemotherapy, there is still a considerable amount of mobilization failures (10-30%), which warrant novel agents and approaches both in an autologous and an allogeneic transplant setting. Attempts to improve CD34+ yields by using several cytokines and growth factors as adjuncts to G-CSF could not change the standard approaches during the last decade, either because of inefficiency or the adverse events encountered with these agents. As a long-acting G-CSF analog, pegfilgrastim has the advantages of an earlier start of apheresis, reduction in the number of apheresis procedures as well as a reduced number of injections as compared with unconjugated G-CSF. However, dosing and cost-effectiveness especially in cytokine-only mobilizations require further investigation. As interactions between hematopoietic stem cells and the BM microenvironment are better understood, new molecules targeting these interactions are emerging. Plerixafor, which started its journey as an anti-HIV drug, recently ended up being a popular stem cell mobilizer with the ability of rapid mobilization and gained approval as an adjunct to G-CSF for poor mobilizers. At present, it is challenging to search for the best approach by using the available drugs with appropriate timing to provide sufficient CD34+ yield after an initial mobilization attempt, and in a cost-effective manner thereby avoiding further mobilization attempts and exposure to chemotherapy. Approaches not only for increasing stem cell yield, but also aiming to improve the quality of graft content and the associated transplantation outcomes are promising areas of research.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stolterfoht, Martin; Armin, Ardalan; Pandey, Ajay K.

Photovoltaic performance in relation to charge transport is studied in efficient (7.6%) organic solar cells (PTB7:PC{sub 71}BM). Both electron and hole mobilities are experimentally measured in efficient solar cells using the resistance dependent photovoltage technique, while the inapplicability of classical techniques, such as space charge limited current and photogenerated charge extraction by linearly increasing voltage is discussed. Limits in the short-circuit current originate from optical losses, while charge transport is shown not to be a limiting process. Efficient charge extraction without recombination can be achieved with a mobility of charge carriers much lower than previously expected. The presence of dispersivemore » transport with strongly distributed mobilities in high efficiency solar cells is demonstrated. Reduced non-Langevin recombination is shown to be beneficial for solar cells with imbalanced, low, and dispersive electron and hole mobilities.« less

Improved priming for mobilization of and optimal timing for harvest of peripheral blood stem cells.

PubMed

Knudsen, L M; Gaarsdal, E; Jensen, L; Nielsen, K J; Nikolaisen, K; Johnsen, H E

1996-08-01

The time of stem cell harvest and the mobilization regimen may play important roles in terms of achieving adequate numbers of stem cells by leukapheresis. To optimize the timing of leukapheresis, we have determined simultaneously the number of CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood as well as in the leukapheresis product of 214 apheresis procedures performed in 66 unselected patients with malignant hematologic diseases and solid tumors. A significant correlation between the number of CD34+ cells in peripheral blood and the leukapheresis product (R = 0.8) was found. The presence of more than 20 x 10(3)/ml blood CD34+ cells gave a sufficient yield (> or = 1.0 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg) in 81% of the cases. In an attempt to compare two priming regimens, we performed leukapheresis twice in 12 patients with stable disease. In the first sequence, stem cells were mobilized with rhG-CSF (10 micrograms/kg/day) alone and, in the second sequence, with cyclophosphamide (4 g/m2) plus rhG-CSF. A significantly higher yield of CD34+ cells and a better correlation between CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood and the leukapheresis product were found after priming with high-dose cyclophosphamide plus rhG-CSF, compared with priming with rhG-CSF alone. In a multivariate analysis, three factors were found to correlate with the yield of CD34+ cells, namely prior chemotherapy, bone marrow function, and the mobilization regimen. The use of cyclophosphamide priming improves CD34+ mobilization, and the introduction of blood CD34+ level optimizes the timing for harvest of stem cells, which should be performed early during treatment of malignancies.

The benefits of convergence.

PubMed

Chang, Gee-Kung; Cheng, Lin

2016-03-06

A multi-tier radio access network (RAN) combining the strength of fibre-optic and radio access technologies employing adaptive microwave photonics interfaces and radio-over-fibre (RoF) techniques is envisioned for future heterogeneous wireless communications. All-band radio spectrum from 0.1 to 100 GHz will be used to deliver wireless services with high capacity, high link speed and low latency. The multi-tier RAN will improve the cell-edge performance in an integrated heterogeneous environment enabled by fibre-wireless integration and networking for mobile fronthaul/backhaul, resource sharing and all-layer centralization of multiple standards with different frequency bands and modulation formats. In essence, this is a 'no-more-cells' architecture in which carrier aggregation among multiple frequency bands can be easily achieved with seamless handover between cells. In this way, current and future mobile network standards such as 4G and 5G can coexist with optimized and continuous cell coverage using multi-tier RoF regardless of the underlying network topology or protocol. In terms of users' experience, the future-proof approach achieves the goals of system capacity, link speed, latency and continuous heterogeneous cell coverage while overcoming the bandwidth crunch in next-generation communication networks. © 2016 The Author(s).

The Role of Exo-(1→4)-β-galactanase in the Mobilization of Polysaccharides from the Cotyledon Cell Walls of Lupinus angustifolius Following Germination

PubMed Central

BUCKERIDGE, MARCOS S.; HUTCHEON, IAN S.; REID, J. S. GRANT

2005-01-01

• Background and Aims The cotyledons of Lupinus angustifolius contain large amounts of cell wall storage polysaccharide (CWSP) composed mainly of (1→4)-β-linked d-galactose residues in the form of branches attached to a rhamnogalacturonan core molecule. An exo-(1→4)-β-galactanase with a very high specificity towards (1→4)-β-linked d-galactan has been isolated from L. angustifolius cotyledons, and shown to vary (activity and specific protein) in step with CWSP mobilization. This work aimed to confirm the hypothesis that galactan is the main polymer retrieved from the wall during mobilization at the ultrastructural level, using the purified exo-galactanase as a probe. • Methods Storage mesophyll cell walls (‘ghosts’) were isolated from the cotyledons of imbibed but ungerminated lupin seeds, and also from cotyledons of seedlings after the mobilization of the CWSP. The pure exo-(1→4)-β-galactanase was coupled to colloidal gold particles and shown to be a specific probe for (1→4)-β-d-galactan. They were used to localize galactan in ultrathin sections of L. angustifolius cotyledonary mesophyll tissue during CWSP mobilization. • Key Results On comparing the morphologies of isolated cell walls, the post-mobilization ‘ghosts’ did not have the massive wall-thickenings of pre-mobilization walls. Compositional analysis showed that the post-mobilization walls were depleted in galactose and, to a lesser extent, in arabinose. When pre-mobilization ghosts were treated with the pure exo-galactanase, they became morphologically similar to the post-mobilization ghosts. They were depleted of approximately 70% of the galactose residues that would have been mobilized in vivo, and retained all the other sugar residues originally present. Sharply defined electron-transparent wall zones or pockets are associated with CWSP mobilization, being totally free of galactan, whereas wall areas immediately adjacent to them were apparently undepleted. • Conclusions The exo-(1→4)-β-galactanase is the principal enzyme involved in CWSP mobilization in lupin cotyledons in vivo. The storage walls dramatically change their texture during mobilization as most of the galactan is hydrolysed during seedling development. PMID:15994843

The role of exo-(1-->4)-beta-galactanase in the mobilization of polysaccharides from the cotyledon cell walls of Lupinus angustifolius following germination.

PubMed

Buckeridge, Marcos S; Hutcheon, Ian S; Reid, J S Grant

2005-09-01

The cotyledons of Lupinus angustifolius contain large amounts of cell wall storage polysaccharide (CWSP) composed mainly of (1-->4)-beta-linked D-galactose residues in the form of branches attached to a rhamnogalacturonan core molecule. An exo-(1-->4)-beta-galactanase with a very high specificity towards (1-->4)-beta-linked D-galactan has been isolated from L. angustifolius cotyledons, and shown to vary (activity and specific protein) in step with CWSP mobilization. This work aimed to confirm the hypothesis that galactan is the main polymer retrieved from the wall during mobilization at the ultrastructural level, using the purified exo-galactanase as a probe. Storage mesophyll cell walls ('ghosts') were isolated from the cotyledons of imbibed but ungerminated lupin seeds, and also from cotyledons of seedlings after the mobilization of the CWSP. The pure exo-(1-->4)-beta-galactanase was coupled to colloidal gold particles and shown to be a specific probe for (1-->4)-beta-D-galactan. They were used to localize galactan in ultrathin sections of L. angustifolius cotyledonary mesophyll tissue during CWSP mobilization. On comparing the morphologies of isolated cell walls, the post-mobilization 'ghosts' did not have the massive wall-thickenings of pre-mobilization walls. Compositional analysis showed that the post-mobilization walls were depleted in galactose and, to a lesser extent, in arabinose. When pre-mobilization ghosts were treated with the pure exo-galactanase, they became morphologically similar to the post-mobilization ghosts. They were depleted of approximately 70% of the galactose residues that would have been mobilized in vivo, and retained all the other sugar residues originally present. Sharply defined electron-transparent wall zones or pockets are associated with CWSP mobilization, being totally free of galactan, whereas wall areas immediately adjacent to them were apparently undepleted. The exo-(1-->4)-beta-galactanase is the principal enzyme involved in CWSP mobilization in lupin cotyledons in vivo. The storage walls dramatically change their texture during mobilization as most of the galactan is hydrolysed during seedling development.

Enhancing Therapeutic Cellular Prostate Cancer Vaccines

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-06-01

oxygen -mediated mobilization of mesenchymal stem cell and progenitors (MSCs)”, Division of Preventive, Occupational, And Aerospace Medicine...postdoctoral fellow Completed: Tittle: Hyperbaric oxygen as mobilizer of stem cells and progenitors in senescent mice (Stanimir Vuk-Pavlovic, P.I.). Co... stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from bone marrow into circulation of old mice were explored. Specific Aims:

Just-in-time rescue plerixafor in combination with chemotherapy and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization

PubMed Central

Smith, Veronica R.; Popat, Uday; Ciurea, Stefan; Nieto, Yago; Anderlini, Paolo; Rondon, Gabriela; Alousi, Amin; Qazilbash, Muzaffar; Kebriaei, Partow; Khouri, Issa; de Lima, Marcos; Champlin, Richard; Hosing, Chitra

2014-01-01

Plerixafor, a recently approved peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilizing agent, is often added to granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize peripheral blood progenitor cells in patients with lymphoma or myeloma who cannot mobilize enough CD34+ cells with G-CSF alone to undergo autologous stem cell transplantation. However, data are lacking regarding the feasibility and efficacy of just-in-time plerixafor in combination with chemotherapy and G-CSF. We reviewed the peripheral blood stem cell collection data of 38 consecutive patients with lymphoma (Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s) and multiple myeloma who underwent chemomobilization and high-dose G-CSF and just-in-time plerixafor to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment combination. All patients with multiple myeloma and all but 1 patient with lymphoma collected the minimum required number of CD34+ cells to proceed with autologous stem cell transplantation (>2 × 106/kilogram of body weight). The median CD34+ cell dose collected in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma was 4.93 × 106/kilogram of body weight. The median CD34+ cell dose collected for patients with multiple myeloma was 8.81 × 106/kilogram of body weight. Plerixafor was well tolerated; no grade 2 or higher non- hematologic toxic effects were observed. PMID:23749720

Mobile medical image retrieval

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duc, Samuel; Depeursinge, Adrien; Eggel, Ivan; Müller, Henning

2011-03-01

Images are an integral part of medical practice for diagnosis, treatment planning and teaching. Image retrieval has gained in importance mainly as a research domain over the past 20 years. Both textual and visual retrieval of images are essential. In the process of mobile devices becoming reliable and having a functionality equaling that of formerly desktop clients, mobile computing has gained ground and many applications have been explored. This creates a new field of mobile information search & access and in this context images can play an important role as they often allow understanding complex scenarios much quicker and easier than free text. Mobile information retrieval in general has skyrocketed over the past year with many new applications and tools being developed and all sorts of interfaces being adapted to mobile clients. This article describes constraints of an information retrieval system including visual and textual information retrieval from the medical literature of BioMedCentral and of the RSNA journals Radiology and Radiographics. Solutions for mobile data access with an example on an iPhone in a web-based environment are presented as iPhones are frequently used and the operating system is bound to become the most frequent smartphone operating system in 2011. A web-based scenario was chosen to allow for a use by other smart phone platforms such as Android as well. Constraints of small screens and navigation with touch screens are taken into account in the development of the application. A hybrid choice had to be taken to allow for taking pictures with the cell phone camera and upload them for visual similarity search as most producers of smart phones block this functionality to web applications. Mobile information access and in particular access to images can be surprisingly efficient and effective on smaller screens. Images can be read on screen much faster and relevance of documents can be identified quickly through the use of images contained in the text. Problems with the many, often incompatible mobile platforms were discovered and are listed in the text. Mobile information access is a quickly growing domain and the constraints of mobile access also need to be taken into account for image retrieval. The demonstrated access to the medical literature is most relevant as the medical literature and their images are clearly the largest knowledge source in the medical field.

DHAP plus filgrastim as an effective peripheral stem cell mobilization regimen for autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma: A single center experience.

PubMed

Berber, Ilhami; Erkurt, Mehmet Ali; Kuku, Irfan; Kaya, Emin; Bag, Harika Gozukara; Nizam, Ilknur; Koroglu, Mustafa; Ozgul, Mustafa

2016-02-01

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of DHAP regimen plus filgrastim for mobilization of stem cells in patients with recurrent and/or refractory lymphoma. Thirty-four patients who took DHAP as salvage therapy prior to autologous stem cell transplantation were included. After chemotherapies, 2 cycles of DHAP plus filgrastim were administered to the patients. Stem cells from 32 patients (94%) were collected on median 11th day (8-12), and the median collected CD34(+) cell dose was 9.7 × 10(6)/kg (range 3.8-41.6). DHAP plus filgrastim was found to be an effective chemotherapy regimen in mobilizing CD34(+) stem cells into the peripheral. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mobilization of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell donors with intravenous plerixafor mobilizes a unique graft

PubMed Central

Schroeder, Mark A.; Rettig, Michael P.; Lopez, Sandra; Christ, Stephanie; Fiala, Mark; Eades, William; Mir, Fazia A.; Shao, Jin; McFarland, Kyle; Trinkaus, Kathryn; Shannon, William; Deych, Elena; Yu, Jinsheng; Vij, Ravi; Stockerl-Goldstein, Keith; Cashen, Amanda F.; Uy, Geoffrey L.; Abboud, Camille N.; Westervelt, Peter

2017-01-01

A single subcutaneous (SC) injection of plerixafor results in rapid mobilization of hematopoietic progenitors, but fails to mobilize 33% of normal allogeneic sibling donors in 1 apheresis. We hypothesized that changing the route of administration of plerixafor from SC to IV may overcome the low stem cell yields and allow collection in 1 day. A phase 1 trial followed by a phase 2 efficacy trial was conducted in allogeneic sibling donors. The optimal dose of IV plerixafor was determined to be 0.32 mg/kg. The primary outcome of reducing the failure to collect ≥2 × 106 CD34+/kg recipient weight in 1 apheresis collection to ≤10% was not reached. The failure rate was 34%. Studies evaluating the stem cell phenotype and gene expression revealed a novel plasmacytoid dendritic cell precursor preferentially mobilized by plerixafor with high interferon-α producing ability. The observed cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia rate for patients at risk was low (15%), as were the rates of acute grade 2-4 graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (21%). Day 100 treatment related mortality was low (3%). In conclusion, plerixafor results in rapid stem cell mobilization regardless of route of administration and resulted in novel cellular composition of the graft and favorable recipient outcomes. These trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00241358 and #NCT00914849. PMID:28292947

Are neural crest stem cells the missing link between hematopoietic and neurogenic niches?

PubMed

Coste, Cécile; Neirinckx, Virginie; Gothot, André; Wislet, Sabine; Rogister, Bernard

2015-01-01

Hematopoietic niches are defined as cellular and molecular microenvironments that regulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function together with stem cell autonomous mechanisms. Many different cell types have been characterized as contributors to the formation of HSC niches, such as osteoblasts, endothelial cells, Schwann cells, and mesenchymal progenitors. These mesenchymal progenitors have themselves been classified as CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL) 12-abundant reticular (CAR) cells, stem cell factor expressing cells, or nestin-positive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have been recently identified as neural crest-derived cells (NCSCs). Together, these cells are spatially associated with HSCs and believed to provide appropriate microenvironments for HSC self-renewal, differentiation, mobilization and hibernation both by cell-cell contact and soluble factors. Interestingly, it appears that regulatory pathways governing the hematopoietic niche homeostasis are operating in the neurogenic niche as well. Therefore, this review paper aims to compare both the regulation of hematopoietic and neurogenic niches, in order to highlight the role of NCSCs and nervous system components in the development and the regulation of the hematopoietic system.

Stem Cell Mobilizers: Novel Therapeutics for Acute Kidney Injury.

PubMed

Xu, Yue; Zeng, Song; Zhang, Qiang; Zhang, Zijian; Hu, Xiaopeng

2017-01-01

In the past decade, rapid developments in stem cell studies have occurred. Researchers have confirmed the plasticity of bone marrow stem cells and the repair and regeneration effects of bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells on solid organs. These findings have suggested the possibility of using bone marrow stem cell mobilizers to repair and regenerate injured organs. Recent studies on the effects of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and Plerixafor (AMD3100) on mouse acute kidney injury models have confirmed that the use of bone marrow stem cell mobilizers may be an effective therapeutic measure. This paper summarizes studies describing the effects of G-CSF and AMD3100 on various acute kidney injury models over the past 10 years. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

System-Level Performance of Antenna Arrays in CDMA-Based Cellular Mobile Radio Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czylwik, Andreas; Dekorsy, Armin

2004-12-01

Smart antennas exploit the inherent spatial diversity of the mobile radio channel, provide an antenna gain, and also enable spatial interference suppression leading to reduced intracell as well as intercell interference. Especially, for the downlink of future CDMA-based mobile communications systems, transmit beamforming is seen as a well-promising smart antenna technique. The main objective of this paper is to study the performance of diverse antenna array topologies when applied for transmit beamforming in the downlink of CDMA-based networks. In this paper, we focus on uniform linear array (ULA) and uniform circular array (UCA) topologies. For the ULA, we consider three-sector base stations with one linear array per sector. While recent research on downlink beamforming is often restricted to one single cell, this study takes into account the important impact of intercell interference on the performance by evaluating complete networks. Especially, from the operator perspective, system capacity and system coverage are very essential parameters of a cellular system so that there is a clear necessity of intensive system level investigations. Apart from delivering assessments on the performance of the diverse antenna array topologies, in the paper also different antenna array parameters, such as element spacing and beamwidth of the sector antennas, are optimized. Although we focus on the network level, fast channel fluctuations are taken into account by including them analytically into the signal-to-interference calculation.

Physicochemical characteristics of LR3-IGF1 protein inclusion bodies: electrophoretic mobility studies.

PubMed

Wangsa-Wirawan, N D; O'Neill, B K; Middelberg, A P

2001-01-01

A knowledge of the physicochemical properties of inclusion bodies is important for the rational design of potential recovery processes such as flotation and precipitation. In this study, measurement of the size and electrophoretic mobility of protein inclusion bodies and cell debris was undertaken. SDS-PAGE analysis of protein inclusion bodies subjected to different cleaning regimes suggested that electrophoretic mobility provides a qualitative measure of protein inclusion body purity. Electrophoretic mobility as a function of electrolyte type and ionic strength was investigated. The presence of divalent ions produced a stronger effect on electrophoretic mobility compared with monovalent ions. The isoelectric point of cell debris was significantly lower than that for the inclusion bodies. Hence, the contaminating cell debris may be separated from inclusion bodies using flotation by exploiting this difference in isoelectric points. Separation by this method is simple, convenient, and a possible alternative to the conventional route of centrifugation.

Wavefront measurement of plastic lenses for mobile-phone applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Li-Ting; Cheng, Yuan-Chieh; Wang, Chung-Yen; Wang, Pei-Jen

2016-08-01

In camera lenses for mobile-phone applications, all lens elements have been designed with aspheric surfaces because of the requirements in minimal total track length of the lenses. Due to the diffraction-limited optics design with precision assembly procedures, element inspection and lens performance measurement have become cumbersome in the production of mobile-phone cameras. Recently, wavefront measurements based on Shack-Hartmann sensors have been successfully implemented on injection-molded plastic lens with aspheric surfaces. However, the applications of wavefront measurement on small-sized plastic lenses have yet to be studied both theoretically and experimentally. In this paper, both an in-house-built and a commercial wavefront measurement system configured on two optics structures have been investigated with measurement of wavefront aberrations on two lens elements from a mobile-phone camera. First, the wet-cell method has been employed for verifications of aberrations due to residual birefringence in an injection-molded lens. Then, two lens elements of a mobile-phone camera with large positive and negative power have been measured with aberrations expressed in Zernike polynomial to illustrate the effectiveness in wavefront measurement for troubleshooting defects in optical performance.

Fuel cells for low power applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinzel, A.; Hebling, C.; Müller, M.; Zedda, M.; Müller, C.

Electronic devices show an ever-increasing power demand and thus, require innovative concepts for power supply. For a wide range of power and energy capacity, membrane fuel cells are an attractive alternative to conventional batteries. The main advantages are the flexibility with respect to power and capacity achievable with different devices for energy conversion and energy storage, the long lifetime and long service life, the good ecological balance, very low self-discharge. Therefore, the development of fuel cell systems for portable electronic devices is an attractive, although also a challenging, goal. The fuel for a membrane fuel cell might be hydrogen from a hydride storage system or methanol/water as a liquid alternative. The main differences between the two systems are the much higher power density for hydrogen fuel cells, the higher energy density per weight for the liquid fuel, safety aspects and infrastructure for fuel supply for hydride materials. For different applications, different system designs are required. High power cells are required for portable computers, low power methanol fuel cells required for mobile phones in hybrid systems with batteries and micro-fuel cells are required, e.g. for hand held PCs in the sub-Watt range. All these technologies are currently under development. Performance data and results of simulations and experimental investigations will be presented.

Inhibitory effect of hot-water extract from dried fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation in cell and cell-free systems.

PubMed

Chu, Chia-Yih; Lee, Miao-Jane; Liao, Chuen-Lan; Lin, Wea-Lung; Yin, Yu-Fang; Tseng, Tsui-Hwa

2003-12-17

The dried fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida, a local soft drink material and medical herb, was found to possess potential against oxidative stress. In the preliminary study, the antioxidant potential of a hot-water extract obtained from the dried fruit of C. pinnatifida (CF-H) was evaluated in terms of its capacity of quenching 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals (EC(50) = 0.118 mg/mL). After content analysis, it was found that CF-H is mainly composed of polyphenols including flavonoids (6.9%), procyanidins (2.2%), (+)-catechin (0.5%), and (-)-epicatechin (0.2%). The antioxidative bioactivity of CF-H had been assess previously using the models of CuSO(4) as cell-free system and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) plus macrophage RAW 264.7 cells as cell system to induce human low-density lipoprotein oxidation. CF-H was found to inhibit relative electrophoretic mobility and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances at the concentration of 0.5-1.0 mg/mL in the cell-free system and at 0.01-0.10 mg/mL in the cell system. Furthermore, it was found that CF-H decreased the SNP-induced cell lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione depletion.

A cell-phone-based brain-computer interface for communication in daily life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yu-Te; Wang, Yijun; Jung, Tzyy-Ping

2011-04-01

Moving a brain-computer interface (BCI) system from a laboratory demonstration to real-life applications still poses severe challenges to the BCI community. This study aims to integrate a mobile and wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) system and a signal-processing platform based on a cell phone into a truly wearable and wireless online BCI. Its practicality and implications in a routine BCI are demonstrated through the realization and testing of a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCI. This study implemented and tested online signal processing methods in both time and frequency domains for detecting SSVEPs. The results of this study showed that the performance of the proposed cell-phone-based platform was comparable, in terms of the information transfer rate, with other BCI systems using bulky commercial EEG systems and personal computers. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a truly portable, cost-effective and miniature cell-phone-based platform for online BCIs.

A cell-phone-based brain-computer interface for communication in daily life.

PubMed

Wang, Yu-Te; Wang, Yijun; Jung, Tzyy-Ping

2011-04-01

Moving a brain-computer interface (BCI) system from a laboratory demonstration to real-life applications still poses severe challenges to the BCI community. This study aims to integrate a mobile and wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) system and a signal-processing platform based on a cell phone into a truly wearable and wireless online BCI. Its practicality and implications in a routine BCI are demonstrated through the realization and testing of a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCI. This study implemented and tested online signal processing methods in both time and frequency domains for detecting SSVEPs. The results of this study showed that the performance of the proposed cell-phone-based platform was comparable, in terms of the information transfer rate, with other BCI systems using bulky commercial EEG systems and personal computers. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate a truly portable, cost-effective and miniature cell-phone-based platform for online BCIs.

The Malaria System MicroApp: A New, Mobile Device-Based Tool for Malaria Diagnosis.

PubMed

Oliveira, Allisson Dantas; Prats, Clara; Espasa, Mateu; Zarzuela Serrat, Francesc; Montañola Sales, Cristina; Silgado, Aroa; Codina, Daniel Lopez; Arruda, Mercia Eliane; I Prat, Jordi Gomez; Albuquerque, Jones

2017-04-25

Malaria is a public health problem that affects remote areas worldwide. Climate change has contributed to the problem by allowing for the survival of Anopheles in previously uninhabited areas. As such, several groups have made developing news systems for the automated diagnosis of malaria a priority. The objective of this study was to develop a new, automated, mobile device-based diagnostic system for malaria. The system uses Giemsa-stained peripheral blood samples combined with light microscopy to identify the Plasmodium falciparum species in the ring stage of development. The system uses image processing and artificial intelligence techniques as well as a known face detection algorithm to identify Plasmodium parasites. The algorithm is based on integral image and haar-like features concepts, and makes use of weak classifiers with adaptive boosting learning. The search scope of the learning algorithm is reduced in the preprocessing step by removing the background around blood cells. As a proof of concept experiment, the tool was used on 555 malaria-positive and 777 malaria-negative previously-made slides. The accuracy of the system was, on average, 91%, meaning that for every 100 parasite-infected samples, 91 were identified correctly. Accessibility barriers of low-resource countries can be addressed with low-cost diagnostic tools. Our system, developed for mobile devices (mobile phones and tablets), addresses this by enabling access to health centers in remote communities, and importantly, not depending on extensive malaria expertise or expensive diagnostic detection equipment. ©Allisson Dantas Oliveira, Clara Prats, Mateu Espasa, Francesc Zarzuela Serrat, Cristina Montañola Sales, Aroa Silgado, Daniel Lopez Codina, Mercia Eliane Arruda, Jordi Gomez i Prat, Jones Albuquerque. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 25.04.2017.

Experimental performances of a battery thermal management system using a phase change material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hémery, Charles-Victor; Pra, Franck; Robin, Jean-François; Marty, Philippe

2014-12-01

Li-ion batteries are leading candidates for mobility because electric vehicles (EV) are an environmentally friendly mean of transport. With age, Li-ion cells show a more resistive behavior leading to extra heat generation. Another kind of problem called thermal runway arises when the cell is too hot, what happens in case of overcharge or short circuit. In order to evaluate the effect of these defects at the whole battery scale, an air-cooled battery module was built and tested, using electrical heaters instead of real cells for safety reasons. A battery thermal management system based on a phase change material is developed in that study. This passive system is coupled with an active liquid cooling system in order to initialize the battery temperature at the melting of the PCM. This initialization, or PCM solidification, can be performed during a charge for example, in other words when the energy from the network is available.

Hydrogen generation from biogenic and fossil fuels by autothermal reforming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rampe, Thomas; Heinzel, Angelika; Vogel, Bernhard

Hydrogen generation for fuel cell systems by reforming technologies from various fuels is one of the main fields of investigation of the Fraunhofer ISE. Suitable fuels are, on the one hand, gaseous hydrocarbons like methane, propane but also, on the other hand, liquid hydrocarbons like gasoline and alcohols, e.g., ethanol as biogenic fuel. The goal is to develop compact systems for generation of hydrogen from fuel being suitable for small-scale membrane fuel cells. The most recent work is related to reforming according to the autothermal principle — fuel, air and steam is supplied to the reactor. Possible applications of such small-scale autothermal reformers are mobile systems and also miniature fuel cell as co-generation plant for decentralised electricity and heat generation. For small stand-alone systems without a connection to the natural gas grid liquid gas, a mixture of propane and butane is an appropriate fuel.

Cell-to-cell communication via plasmodesmata in vascular plants

PubMed Central

Sevilem, Iris; Miyashima, Shunsuke; Helariutta, Ykä

2013-01-01

In plant development, cell-to-cell signaling is mediated by mobile signals, including transcription factors and small RNA molecules. This communication is essential for growth and patterning. Short-range movement of signals occurs in the extracellular space via the apoplastic pathway or directly from cell-to-cell via the symplastic pathway. Symplastic transport is mediated by plant specific structures called plasmodesmata, which are plasma membrane-lined pores that traverse the cell walls of adjacent cells thus connecting their cytoplasms. However, a thorough understanding of molecules moving via plasmodesmata and regulatory networks relying on symplastic signaling is lacking. Traffic via plasmodesmata is highly regulated, and callose turnover is known to be one mechanism. In Arabidopsis, plasmodesmata apertures can be regulated in a spatially and temporally specific manner with the icals3m, an inducible vector system expressing the mutated CalS3 gene encoding a plasmodesmata localized callose synthase that increases callose deposition at plasmodesmata. We discuss strategies to use the icals3m system for global analyses on symplastic signaling in plants. PMID:23076211

Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Mobilization is More Robust in Healthy African American Compared to Caucasian Donors and is not Affected by the Presence of Sickle Cell Trait

PubMed Central

Panch, Sandhya R.; Yau, Yu Ying; Fitzhugh, Courtney D.; Hsieh, Matthew M.; Tisdale, John F.; Leitman, Susan F.

2016-01-01

Background G-CSF-stimulated hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) collected by apheresis have become the predominant graft source for HPC transplantation in adults. Among healthy allogeneic donors, demographic characteristics (age, sex, BMI) and baseline hematologic counts affect HPC mobilization, leading to variability in CD34+ apheresis yields. Racial differences in HPC mobilization are less well characterized. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 1,096 consecutive G-CSF-stimulated leukapheresis procedures in healthy allogeneic African American (AA) or Caucasian donors. Results In a multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, baseline platelet and MNC counts, and daily G-CSF dose, peak CD34+ cell mobilization was significantly higher among AAs (n=215) than Caucasians (n=881) (123 ± 87 vs 75 ± 47 cells/uL; p<0.0001). A ceiling effect was observed with increasing G-CSF dose (10 vs 16 mcg/kg/day) in AAs (123 ± 88 vs 123 ± 87) but not in Caucasians (74 ± 46 vs 93 ± 53, p<0.001). In AA donors, presence of sickle cell trait (SCT, n=41) did not affect CD34+ mobilization (peak CD34+ 123 ± 91 vs 107 ±72 cells/uL, HbAS vs HbAA, p=0.34). Adverse events were minimal and similar across race. Conclusions AAs demonstrated significantly better CD34 mobilization responses to G-CSF than Caucasians. This was independent of other demographic and hematologic parameters. Studying race-associated pharmacogenomics in relation to G-CSF may improve dosing strategies. Adverse event profile and CD34 mobilization were similar in AA donors with and without SCT. Our findings suggest that it would be safe to include healthy AA donors with SCT in unrelated donor registries. PMID:27167356

76 FR 53115 - Foreign-Trade Zone 77-Memphis, TN; Application for Temporary/Interim Manufacturing Authority...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-25

..., TN; Application for Temporary/ Interim Manufacturing Authority; Flextronics Logistics USA, Inc. (Cell... authority to produce cell phones/mobile handsets kits (HTSUS 8517.12, HTSUS 8517.62, HTSUS 8517.69, duty... cell phone/mobile handset kits (duty free) for the foreign inputs noted above. In accordance with the...

Generic Dynamic Environment Perception Using Smart Mobile Devices

PubMed Central

Danescu, Radu; Itu, Razvan; Petrovai, Andra

2016-01-01

The driving environment is complex and dynamic, and the attention of the driver is continuously challenged, therefore computer based assistance achieved by processing image and sensor data may increase traffic safety. While active sensors and stereovision have the advantage of obtaining 3D data directly, monocular vision is easy to set up, and can benefit from the increasing computational power of smart mobile devices, and from the fact that almost all of them come with an embedded camera. Several driving assistance application are available for mobile devices, but they are mostly targeted for simple scenarios and a limited range of obstacle shapes and poses. This paper presents a technique for generic, shape independent real-time obstacle detection for mobile devices, based on a dynamic, free form 3D representation of the environment: the particle based occupancy grid. Images acquired in real time from the smart mobile device’s camera are processed by removing the perspective effect and segmenting the resulted bird-eye view image to identify candidate obstacle areas, which are then used to update the occupancy grid. The occupancy grid tracked cells are grouped into obstacles depicted as cuboids having position, size, orientation and speed. The easy to set up system is able to reliably detect most obstacles in urban traffic, and its measurement accuracy is comparable to a stereovision system. PMID:27763501

Cerium Ion Mobility and Diffusivity Rates in Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membranes Measured via Hydrogen Pump Operation

DOE PAGES

Baker, Andrew M.; Babu, Siddharth Komini; Mukundan, Rangachary; ...

2017-09-21

Ion mobility and diffusivity coefficients were determined for cerium ions in Nafion XL perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer membranes at 100% and 50% relative humidity in a conductivity cell using a hydrogen pump. We quantified Ce ion migration profiles as a function of charge transfer through the cell using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). To decouple simultaneous effects of Ce ion mobility and back-diffusion which occur due to potential and concentration gradients, respectively, a one-dimensional model was developed and fit to these intermittent XRF profiles. The resulting mobility and diffusivity coefficients demonstrate the dramatic effects of potential and concentration gradients on Ce ion migrationmore » during PEM fuel cell operation.« less

Cerium Ion Mobility and Diffusivity Rates in Perfluorosulfonic Acid Membranes Measured via Hydrogen Pump Operation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baker, Andrew M.; Babu, Siddharth Komini; Mukundan, Rangachary

Ion mobility and diffusivity coefficients were determined for cerium ions in Nafion XL perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer membranes at 100% and 50% relative humidity in a conductivity cell using a hydrogen pump. We quantified Ce ion migration profiles as a function of charge transfer through the cell using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). To decouple simultaneous effects of Ce ion mobility and back-diffusion which occur due to potential and concentration gradients, respectively, a one-dimensional model was developed and fit to these intermittent XRF profiles. The resulting mobility and diffusivity coefficients demonstrate the dramatic effects of potential and concentration gradients on Ce ion migrationmore » during PEM fuel cell operation.« less

Elevated endothelial progenitor cells during painful sickle cell crisis.

PubMed

van Beem, Rachel T; Nur, Erfan; Zwaginga, Jaap Jan; Landburg, Precious P; van Beers, Eduard J; Duits, Ashley J; Brandjes, Dees P; Lommerse, Ingrid; de Boer, Hetty C; van der Schoot, C Ellen; Schnog, John-John B; Biemond, Bart J

2009-09-01

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) counts were determined in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) to elucidate their role in SCD-related ischemia-induced angiogenesis and reendothelialization. Circulating EPC counts (KDR(+)/CD34(+)/Cd45(dim) cells) and their relation to serum levels of EPC mobilizing growth factors erythropoietin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukin-8 were investigated in SCD patients during asymptomatic state (n=66) and painful crisis (n=36) and compared to healthy controls (n=13). EPC counts were comparable between controls (0; range, 0-1.1 cells/mL) and patients (0; range, 0-0 cells/mL) in asymptomatic state, but were significantly higher during painful crisis (41.7; range, 0-186 cells/mL; p<0.05). Also in a paired analysis of 12 patients who were included both during asymptomatic state and painful crisis, EPC counts increased significantly during painful crisis (from 0 [range, 0-0] to 26 [range, 0-149 cell/mL; p<0.05). EPC counts were not related to any of the measured growth factors. The higher EPC counts during painful crisis might indicate a role for EPC mobilization in reendothelialization. As a relationship of EPCs with the established mobilizing growth factors, measured in this study was not observed, the mechanism of EPC mobilization in SCD remains to be elucidated.

Mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells with the novel CXCR4 antagonist POL6326 (balixafortide) in healthy volunteers-results of a dose escalation trial.

PubMed

Karpova, Darja; Bräuninger, Susanne; Wiercinska, Eliza; Krämer, Ariane; Stock, Belinda; Graff, Jochen; Martin, Hans; Wach, Achim; Escot, Christophe; Douglas, Garry; Romagnoli, Barbara; Chevalier, Eric; Dembowski, Klaus; Hooftman, Leon; Bonig, Halvard

2017-01-03

Certain disadvantages of the standard hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilizing agent G-CSF fuel the quest for alternatives. We herein report results of a Phase I dose escalation trial comparing mobilization with a peptidic CXCR4 antagonist POL6326 (balixafortide) vs. G-CSF. Healthy male volunteer donors with a documented average mobilization response to G-CSF received, following ≥6 weeks wash-out, a 1-2 h infusion of 500-2500 µg/kg of balixafortide. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were assessed. Balixafortide was well tolerated and rated favorably over G-CSF by subjects. At all doses tested balixafortide mobilized HSPC. In the dose range between 1500 and 2500 µg/kg mobilization was similar, reaching 38.2 ± 2.8 CD34 + cells/µL (mean ± SEM). Balixafortide caused mixed leukocytosis in the mid-20 K/µL range. B-lymphocytosis was more pronounced, whereas neutrophilia and monocytosis were markedly less accentuated with balixafortide compared to G-CSF. At the 24 h time point, leukocytes had largely normalized. Balixafortide is safe, well tolerated, and induces efficient mobilization of HSPCs in healthy male volunteers. Based on experience with current apheresis technology, the observed mobilization at doses ≥1500 µg/kg of balixafortide is predicted to yield in a single apheresis a standard dose of 4× 10E6 CD34+ cells/kg from most individuals donating for an approximately weight-matched recipient. Exploration of alternative dosing regimens may provide even higher mobilization responses. Trial Registration European Medicines Agency (EudraCT-Nr. 2011-003316-23) and clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01841476).

Context-Based Mobile Security Enclave

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

29  c.  Change IMSI .............................30  d.  Change CellID ...........................31  e.  Change Geolocation ...Assisted Global Positioning System ADB Android Debugger API Application Programming Interface APK Android Application Package BSC Base Station...Programming Interfaces ( APIs ), which use Java compatible libraries based on Apache Harmony (an open source Java implementation developed by the Apache

Density gradient electrophoresis of cultured human embryonic kidney cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plank, L. D.; Kunze, M. E.; Giranda, V.; Todd, P. W.

1985-01-01

Ground based confirmation of the electrophoretic heterogeneity of human embryonic kidney cell cultures, the general characterization of their electrophoretic migration, and observations on the general properties of cultures derived from electrophoretic subpopulations were studied. Cell migration in a density gradient electrophoresis column and cell electrophoretic mobility was determined. The mobility and heterogeneity of cultured human embryonic kidney cells with those of fixed rat erythrocytes as model test particle was compared. Electrophoretically separated cell subpopulations with respect to size, viability, and culture characteristics were examined.

Electromagnetic field and brain development.

PubMed

Kaplan, Suleyman; Deniz, Omur Gulsum; Önger, Mehmet Emin; Türkmen, Aysın Pınar; Yurt, Kıymet Kübra; Aydın, Işınsu; Altunkaynak, Berrin Zuhal; Davis, Devra

2016-09-01

Rapid advances in technology involve increased exposures to radio-frequency/microwave radiation from mobile phones and other wireless transmitting devices. As cell phones are held close to the head during talking and often stored next to the reproductive organs, studies are mostly focused on the brain. In fact, more research is especially needed to investigate electromagnetic field (EMF)'s effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Several studies clearly demonstrate that EMF emitted by cell phones could affect a range of body systems and functions. Recent work has demonstrated that EMF inhibit the formation and differentiation of neural stem cells during embryonic development and also affect reproductive and neurological health of adults that have undergone prenatal exposure. The aim of this review is to discuss the developing CNS and explain potential impacts of EMF on this system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

There are four dynamically and functionally distinct populations of E-cadherin in cell junctions

PubMed Central

Erami, Zahra; Timpson, Paul; Yao, Wu; Zaidel-Bar, Ronen; Anderson, Kurt I.

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT E-cadherin is a trans-membrane tumor suppressor responsible for epithelial cell adhesion. E-cadherin forms adhesive clusters through combined extra-cellular cis- and trans-interactions and intracellular interaction with the actin cytoskeleton. Here we identify four populations of E-cadherin within cell junctions based on the molecular interactions which determine their mobility and adhesive properties. Adhesive and non-adhesive populations of E-cadherin each consist of mobile and immobile fractions. Up to half of the E-cadherin immobilized in cell junctions is non-adhesive. Incorporation of E-cadherin into functional adhesions require all three adhesive interactions, with deletion of any one resulting in loss of effective cell-cell adhesion. Interestingly, the only interaction which could independently slow the diffusion of E-cadherin was the tail-mediated intra-cellular interaction. The adhesive and non-adhesive mobile fractions of E-cadherin can be distinguished by their sensitivity to chemical cross-linking with adhesive clusters. Our data define the size, mobility, and adhesive properties of four distinct populations of E-cadherin within cell junctions, and support association with the actin cytoskeleton as the first step in adhesion formation. PMID:26471767

Electrophoretic mobilities of erythrocytes in various buffers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plank, L. D.; Kunze, M. E.; Todd, P. W.

1985-01-01

The calibration of space flight equipment depends on a source of standard test particles, this test particle of choice is the fixed erythrocyte. Erythrocytes from different species have different electrophoretic mobilities. Electrophoretic mobility depends upon zeta potential, which, in turn depends upon ionic strength. Zeta potential decreases with increasing ionic strength, so cells have high electrophoretic mobility in space electrophoresis buffers than in typical physiological buffers. The electrophoretic mobilities of fixed human, rat, and rabbit erythrocytes in 0.145 M salt and buffers of varying ionic strength, temperature, and composition, to assess the effects of some of the unique combinations used in space buffers were characterized. Several effects were assessed: glycerol or DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) were considered for use as cryoprotectants. The effect of these substances on erythrocyte electrophoretic mobility was examined. The choice of buffer depended upon cell mobility. Primary experiments with kidney cells established the choice of buffer and cryoprotectant. A nonstandard temperature of EPM in the suitable buffer was determined. A loss of ionic strength control occurs in the course of preparing columns for flight, the effects of small increases in ionic strength over the expected low values need to be evaluated.

Potent In Vivo NK Cell-Mediated Elimination of HIV-1-Infected Cells Mobilized by a gp120-Bispecific and Hexavalent Broadly Neutralizing Fusion Protein

PubMed Central

Bardhi, Ariola; Wu, Yanling; Chen, Weizao; Li, Wei; Zhu, Zhongyu; Zheng, Jian Hua; Wong, Hing; Jeng, Emily; Jones, Jennifer; Ochsenbauer, Christina; Kappes, John C.; Dimitrov, Dimiter S.; Ying, Tianlei

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Antibodies bound to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein expressed by infected cells mobilize antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) to eliminate the HIV-1-infected cells and thereby suppress HIV-1 infection and delay disease progression. Studies treating HIV-1-infected individuals with latency reactivation agents to reduce their latent HIV-1 reservoirs indicated that their HIV-1-specific immune responses were insufficient to effectively eliminate the reactivated latent HIV-1-infected T cells. Mobilization of ADCC may facilitate elimination of reactivated latent HIV-1-infected cells to deplete the HIV-1 reservoir and contribute to a functional HIV-1 cure. The most effective antibodies for controlling and eradicating HIV-1 infection would likely have the dual capacities of potently neutralizing a broad range of HIV-1 isolates and effectively mobilizing HIV-1-specific ADCC to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells. For this purpose, we constructed LSEVh-LS-F, a broadly neutralizing, defucosylated hexavalent fusion protein specific for both the CD4 and coreceptor gp120-binding sites. LSEVh-LS-F potently inhibited in vivo HIV-1 and simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection in humanized mouse and macaque models, respectively, including in vivo neutralization of HIV-1 strains resistant to the broadly neutralizing antibodies VRC01 and 3BNC117. We developed a novel humanized mouse model to evaluate in vivo human NK cell-mediated elimination of HIV-1-infected cells by ADCC and utilized it to demonstrate that LSEVh-LS-F rapidly mobilized NK cells to eliminate >80% of HIV-1-infected cells in vivo 1 day after its administration. The capacity of LSEVh-LS-F to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells via ADCC combined with its broad neutralization activity supports its potential use as an immunotherapeutic agent to eliminate reactivated latent cells and deplete the HIV-1 reservoir. IMPORTANCE Mobilization of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) to eliminate reactivated latent HIV-1-infected cells is a strategy which may contribute to depleting the HIV-1 reservoir and achieving a functional HIV-1 cure. To more effectively mobilize ADCC, we designed and constructed LSEVh-LS-F, a broadly neutralizing, defucosylated hexavalent fusion protein specific for both the CD4 and coreceptor gp120-binding sites. LSEVh-LS-F potently inhibited in vivo HIV-1 and SHIV infection in humanized mouse and macaque models, respectively, including in vivo neutralization of an HIV-1 strain resistant to the broadly neutralizing antibodies VRC01 and 3BNC117. Using a novel humanized mouse model, we demonstrated that LSEVh-LS-F rapidly mobilized NK cells to eliminate >80% of HIV-1-infected cells in vivo 1 day after its administration. The capacity of LSEVh-LS-F to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells via ADCC combined with its broad neutralization activity supports its potential use as an immunotherapeutic agent to eliminate reactivated latent cells and deplete the HIV-1 reservoir. PMID:28794022

Potent In Vivo NK Cell-Mediated Elimination of HIV-1-Infected Cells Mobilized by a gp120-Bispecific and Hexavalent Broadly Neutralizing Fusion Protein.

PubMed

Bardhi, Ariola; Wu, Yanling; Chen, Weizao; Li, Wei; Zhu, Zhongyu; Zheng, Jian Hua; Wong, Hing; Jeng, Emily; Jones, Jennifer; Ochsenbauer, Christina; Kappes, John C; Dimitrov, Dimiter S; Ying, Tianlei; Goldstein, Harris

2017-10-15

Antibodies bound to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope protein expressed by infected cells mobilize antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) to eliminate the HIV-1-infected cells and thereby suppress HIV-1 infection and delay disease progression. Studies treating HIV-1-infected individuals with latency reactivation agents to reduce their latent HIV-1 reservoirs indicated that their HIV-1-specific immune responses were insufficient to effectively eliminate the reactivated latent HIV-1-infected T cells. Mobilization of ADCC may facilitate elimination of reactivated latent HIV-1-infected cells to deplete the HIV-1 reservoir and contribute to a functional HIV-1 cure. The most effective antibodies for controlling and eradicating HIV-1 infection would likely have the dual capacities of potently neutralizing a broad range of HIV-1 isolates and effectively mobilizing HIV-1-specific ADCC to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells. For this purpose, we constructed LSEVh-LS-F, a broadly neutralizing, defucosylated hexavalent fusion protein specific for both the CD4 and coreceptor gp120-binding sites. LSEVh-LS-F potently inhibited in vivo HIV-1 and simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection in humanized mouse and macaque models, respectively, including in vivo neutralization of HIV-1 strains resistant to the broadly neutralizing antibodies VRC01 and 3BNC117. We developed a novel humanized mouse model to evaluate in vivo human NK cell-mediated elimination of HIV-1-infected cells by ADCC and utilized it to demonstrate that LSEVh-LS-F rapidly mobilized NK cells to eliminate >80% of HIV-1-infected cells in vivo 1 day after its administration. The capacity of LSEVh-LS-F to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells via ADCC combined with its broad neutralization activity supports its potential use as an immunotherapeutic agent to eliminate reactivated latent cells and deplete the HIV-1 reservoir. IMPORTANCE Mobilization of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) to eliminate reactivated latent HIV-1-infected cells is a strategy which may contribute to depleting the HIV-1 reservoir and achieving a functional HIV-1 cure. To more effectively mobilize ADCC, we designed and constructed LSEVh-LS-F, a broadly neutralizing, defucosylated hexavalent fusion protein specific for both the CD4 and coreceptor gp120-binding sites. LSEVh-LS-F potently inhibited in vivo HIV-1 and SHIV infection in humanized mouse and macaque models, respectively, including in vivo neutralization of an HIV-1 strain resistant to the broadly neutralizing antibodies VRC01 and 3BNC117. Using a novel humanized mouse model, we demonstrated that LSEVh-LS-F rapidly mobilized NK cells to eliminate >80% of HIV-1-infected cells in vivo 1 day after its administration. The capacity of LSEVh-LS-F to eliminate HIV-1-infected cells via ADCC combined with its broad neutralization activity supports its potential use as an immunotherapeutic agent to eliminate reactivated latent cells and deplete the HIV-1 reservoir. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Analysis of the conductivity of plasmodesmata by microinjection.

PubMed

Kragler, Friedrich

2015-01-01

Pressure microinjection can be used to introduce fluorescent dyes and labeled macromolecules into single cells. The method allows measuring transport activity of macromolecules such as proteins and RNA molecules within and between cells. Routinely, plant mesophyll cells are injected with fluorescent dextran molecules of specific sizes to measure an increase of the size exclusion limit of plasmodesmata in the presence of a co-injected or expressed protein. The mobility of a macromolecule can also be addressed directly by injecting a recombinant protein that itself is labeled with fluorescent dye and following its transport to neighboring cells. This chapter describes a pressure microinjection protocol successfully applied to Nicotiana leaves. This protocol requires basic skills and experience in handling a microscope equipped with an imaging system, a micromanipulator, and a microinjection system attached to an upright microscope. Using this equipment, a trained person can inject approximately 10-20 mesophyll cells per hour.

Identification and isolation from either adult human bone marrow or G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood of CD34(+)/CD133(+)/CXCR4(+)/ Lin(-)CD45(-) cells, featuring morphological, molecular, and phenotypic characteristics of very small embryonic-like (VSEL) stem cells.

PubMed

Sovalat, Hanna; Scrofani, Maurice; Eidenschenk, Antoinette; Pasquet, Stéphanie; Rimelen, Valérie; Hénon, Philippe

2011-04-01

Recently, we demonstrated that normal human bone marrow (hBM)-derived CD34(+) cells, released into the peripheral blood after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization, contain cell subpopulations committed along endothelial and cardiac differentiation pathways. These subpopulations could play a key role in the regeneration of post-ischemic myocardial lesion after their direct intracardiac delivery. We hypothesized that these relevant cells might be issued from very small embryonic-like stem cells deposited in the BM during ontogenesis and reside lifelong in the adult BM, and that they could be mobilized into peripheral blood by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Samples of normal hBM and leukapheresis products harvested from cancer patients after granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilization were analyzed and sorted by multiparameter flow cytometry strategy. Immunofluorescence and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to analyze the expression of typical pluripotent stem cells markers. A population of CD34(+)/CD133(+)/CXCR4(+)/Lin(-) CD45(-) immature cells was first isolated from the hBM or from leukapheresis products. Among this population, very small (2-5 μm) cells expressing Oct-4, Nanog, and stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 at protein and messenger RNA levels were identified. Our study supports the hypothesis that very small embryonic-like stem cells constitute a "mobile" pool of primitive/pluripotent stem cells that could be released from the BM into the peripheral blood under the influence of various physiological or pathological stimuli. In order to fully support that hBM- and leukapheresis product-derived very small embryonic-like stem cells are actually pluripotent, we are currently testing their ability to differentiate in vitro into cells from all three germ layers. Copyright © 2011 ISEH - Society for Hematology and Stem Cells. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Self-* properties through gossiping.

PubMed

Babaoglu, Ozalp; Jelasity, Márk

2008-10-28

As computer systems have become more complex, numerous competing approaches have been proposed for these systems to self-configure, self-manage, self-repair, etc. such that human intervention in their operation can be minimized. In ubiquitous systems, this has always been a central issue as well. In this paper, we overview techniques to implement self-* properties in large-scale, decentralized networks through bio-inspired techniques in general, and gossip-based algorithms in particular. We believe that gossip-based algorithms could be an important inspiration for solving problems in ubiquitous computing as well. As an example, we outline a novel approach to arrange large numbers of mobile agents (e.g. vehicles, rescue teams carrying mobile devices) into different formations in a totally decentralized manner. The approach is inspired by the biological mechanism of cell sorting via differential adhesion, as well as by our earlier work in self-organizing peer-to-peer overlay networks.

Iron repletion relocalizes hephaestin to a proximal basolateral compartment in polarized MDCK and Caco2 cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Seung-Min; Department of Nutritional Science and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA; Attieh, Zouhair K.

2012-05-11

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Hephaestin localizes in the perinuclear space in non-polarized cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Hephaestin localizes in the perinuclear space in iron deficient and polarized cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Hephaestin with apical iron moves near to basolateral membrane of polarized cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Peri-basolateral location of hephaestin is accessible to the extracellular space. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Hephaestin is involved in iron mobilization from the intestine to circulation. -- Abstract: While intestinal cellular iron entry in vertebrates employs multiple routes including heme and non-heme routes, iron egress from these cells is exclusively channeled through the only known transporter, ferroportin. Reduced intestinal iron export in sex-linked anemia mice implicatesmore » hephaestin, a ferroxidase, in this process. Polarized cells are exposed to two distinct environments. Enterocytes contact the gut lumen via the apical surface of the cell, and through the basolateral surface, to the body. Previous studies indicate both local and systemic control of iron uptake. We hypothesized that differences in iron availability at the apical and/or basolateral surface may modulate iron uptake via cellular localization of hephaestin. We therefore characterized the localization of hephaestin in two models of polarized epithelial cell lines, MDCK and Caco2, with varying iron availability at the apical and basolateral surfaces. Our results indicate that hephaestin is expressed in a supra-nuclear compartment in non-polarized cells regardless of the iron status of the cells and in iron deficient and polarized cells. In polarized cells, we found that both apical (as FeSO{sub 4}) and basolateral iron (as the ratio of apo-transferrin to holo-transferrin) affect mobilization of hephaestin from the supra-nuclear compartment. We find that the presence of apical iron is essential for relocalization of hephaestin to a cellular compartment in close proximity but not overlapping with the basolateral surface. Surface biotinylation studies indicate that hephaestin in the peri-basolateral location is accessible to the extra-cellular environment. These results support the hypothesis that hephaestin is involved in iron mobilization of iron from the intestine to circulation.« less

Understanding the barriers to successful adoption and use of a mobile health information system in a community health center in São Paulo, Brazil: a cohort study.

PubMed

Rajan, Jayant V; Moura, Juliana; Gourley, Gato; Kiso, Karina; Sizilio, Alexandre; Cortez, Ana Maria; Riley, Lee W; Veras, Maria Amelia; Sarkar, Urmimala

2016-11-17

Mobile technology to support community health has surged in popularity, yet few studies have systematically examined usability of mobile platforms for this setting. We conducted a mixed-methods study of 14 community healthcare workers at a public healthcare clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. We held focus groups with community healthcare workers to elicit their ideas about a mobile health application and used this input to build a prototype app. A pre-use test survey was administered to all participants, who subsequently use-tested the app on three different devices (iPhone, iPad mini, iPad Air). Usability was assessed by objectively scored data entry errors and through a post-use focus group held to gather open-ended feedback on end-user satisfaction. All of the participants were women, ranging from 18-64 years old. A large percentage (85.7%) of participants had at least a high school education. Internet (92.8%), computer (85.7%) and cell phone (71.4%) use rates were high. Data entry error rates were also high, particularly in free text fields, ranging from 92.3 to 100%. Error rates were comparable across device type. In a post-use focus group, participants reported that they found the app easy to use and felt that its design was consistent with their vision. The participants raised several concerns, including that they did not find filling out the forms in the app to be a useful task. They also were concerned about an app potentially creating more work for them and personal security issues related to carrying a mobile device in low-income areas. In a cohort of formally educated community healthcare workers with high levels of personal computer and cell phone use, we identified no technological barriers to adapting their existing work to a mobile device based system. Transferring current data entry work into a mobile platform, however, uncovered underlying dissatisfaction with some data entry tasks. This dissatisfaction may be a more significant barrier than the data entry errors our testing revealed. Our results highlight the fact that without a deep understanding of local process to optimize usability, technology-based solutions in health may fail. Developing such an understanding must be a central component in the design of any mHealth solution in global health.

Effectiveness of the new 'Mobile AED Map' to find and retrieve an AED: A randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Sakai, Tomohiko; Iwami, Taku; Kitamura, Tetsuhisa; Nishiyama, Chika; Kawamura, Takashi; Kajino, Kentaro; Tanaka, Hiroshi; Marukawa, Seishiro; Tasaki, Osamu; Shiozaki, Tadahiko; Ogura, Hiroshi; Kuwagata, Yasuyuki; Shimazu, Takeshi

2011-01-01

Although early shock with an automated external defibrillator (AED) is one of the several key elements to save out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims, it is not always easy to find and retrieve a nearby AED in emergency settings. We developed a cell phone web system, the Mobile AED Map, displaying nearby AEDs located anywhere. The simulation trial in the present study aims to compare the time and travel distance required to access an AED and retrieve it with and without the Mobile AED Map. Randomised controlled trial. Two fields where it was estimated to take 2min (120-170m) to access the nearest AED. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Mobile AED Map group or the control group. We provided each participant in both groups with an OHCA scenario, and measured the time and travel distance to find and retrieve a nearby AED. Forty-three volunteers were enrolled and completed the protocol. The time to access and retrieve an AED was not significantly different between the Mobile AED Map group (400±238s) and the control group (407±256s, p=0.92). The travel distance was significantly shorter in the Mobile AED Map group (606m vs. 891m, p=0.019). Trial field conditions affected the results differently. Although the new Mobile AED Map reduced the travel distance to access and retrieve the AED, it failed to shorten the time. Further technological improvements of the system are needed to increase its usefulness in emergency settings (UMIN000002043). Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of cell phone use on postural balance and mobility in older compared to young adults.

PubMed

Laatar, Rabeb; Kachouri, Hiba; Borji, Rihab; Rebai, Haithem; Sahli, Sonia

2017-05-01

Cell phone use is considered as an essential part of everyday life saturating all age groups and demographics. This study aimed to explore the effect of various cell phone functions on postural control and mobility in the elderly. Twenty healthy older (mean age 72.5±2.9) and twenty young (26.3±2.8) adults participated in this study. Postural balance was assessed by measuring the center of pressure (CoP) displacement with (talking on a cell phone (CONVERSE), dialing a number (DIAL) and listening to music (MUSIC)) and without cell phone use. Mobility was assessed by the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Results showed that for both groups, the CoP parameters increased significantly during the CONVERSE (p<0.001) and the DIAL (CoP area , CoP X : p<0.05; CoP Y : p<0.01) conditions compared to the control condition. Moreover, the CoP area values were significantly higher during the CONVERSE condition in comparison to the DIAL (p<0.05) one. In older adults, the TUGT scores increased significantly in the DIAL (p<0.01) condition compared to the CONVERSE and the MUSIC conditions. In conclusion, cell phone use impairs similarly standing postural balance of elderly and young adults. Interestingly, in the elderly, all cell phone functions used altered mobility with the dialing function causing the largest mobility deterioration. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using technology to promote mobile learning: engaging students with cell phones in the classroom.

PubMed

Robb, Meigan; Shellenbarger, Teresa

2012-01-01

Advancements in cell phone technology have impacted every aspect of society. Individuals have instant access to social networks, Web sites, and applications. Faculty need to consider using these mobile devices to enrich the classroom. The authors discuss how they successfully designed and incorporated cell phone learning activities into their classrooms. Teaching-learning strategies using cell phone technology and recommendations for overcoming challenges associated with cell phone use in the classroom are discussed.

Just-in-time rescue plerixafor in combination with chemotherapy and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor for peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization.

PubMed

Smith, Veronica R; Popat, Uday; Ciurea, Stefan; Nieto, Yago; Anderlini, Paolo; Rondon, Gabriela; Alousi, Amin; Qazilbash, Muzaffar; Kebriaei, Partow; Khouri, Issa; de Lima, Marcos; Champlin, Richard; Hosing, Chitra

2013-09-01

Plerixafor, a recently approved peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilizing agent, is often added to granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize peripheral blood progenitor cells in patients with lymphoma or myeloma who cannot mobilize enough CD34+ cells with G-CSF alone to undergo autologous stem cell transplantation. However, data are lacking regarding the feasibility and efficacy of just-in-time plerixafor in combination with chemotherapy and G-CSF. We reviewed the peripheral blood stem cell collection data of 38 consecutive patients with lymphoma (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's) and multiple myeloma who underwent chemomobilization and high-dose G-CSF and just-in-time plerixafor to evaluate the efficacy of this treatment combination. All patients with multiple myeloma and all but one patient with lymphoma collected the minimum required number of CD34+ cells to proceed with autologous stem cell transplantation (>2 × 10(6) /kg of body weight). The median CD34+ cell dose collected in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma was 4.93 × 10(6) /kg of body weight. The median CD34+ cell dose collected for patients with multiple myeloma was 8.81 × 10(6) /kg of body weight. Plerixafor was well tolerated; no grade 2 or higher non-hematologic toxic effects were observed. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Heterogeneity in the growth hormone pituitary gland system of rats and humans: Implications to microgravity based research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hymer, W. C.; Grindeland, R.; Hayes, C.; Lanham, J. W.; Cleveland, C.; Todd, P.; Morrison, Dennis R.

1988-01-01

The cell separation techniques of velocity sedimentation, flow cytometry and continuous flow electrophoresis were used to obtain enriched populations of growth hormone (GH) cells. The goal was to isolate a GH cell subpopulation which releases GH molecules which are very high in biological activity, it was important to use a method which was effective in processing large numbers of cells over a short time span. The techniques based on sedimentation are limited by cell density overlaps and streaming. While flow cytometry is useful in the analytical mode for objectively establishing cell purity, the numbers of cells which can be processed in the sort mode are so small as to make this approach ineffective in terms of the long term goals. It was shown that continuous flow electrophoresis systems (CFES) can separate GH cells from other cell types on the basis of differences in surface charge. The bioreactive producers appear to be more electrophoretically mobile than the low producers. Current ground based CFES efforts are hampered by cell clumping in low ionic strength buffers and poor cell recoveries from the CFES device.

Antibody enhancement of free-flow electrophoresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cohly, H. H. P.; Morrison, Dennis R.; Atassi, M. Zouhair

1988-01-01

Specific T cell clones and antibodies (ABs) were developed to study the efficiency of purifying closely associated T cells using Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System. Enhanced separation is accomplished by tagging cells first with ABs directed against the antigenic determinants on the cell surface and then with ABs against the Fc portion of the first AB. This second AB protrudes sufficiently beyond the cell membrane and glycocalyx to become the major overall cell surface potential determinant and thus causes a reduction of electrophoretic mobility. This project was divided into three phases. Phase one included development of specific T cell clones and separation of these specific clones. Phase two extends these principles to the separation of T cells from spleen cells and immunized lymph node cells. Phase three applies this double antibody technique to the separation of T cytotoxic cells from bone marrow.

Electrical research on solar cells and photovoltaic materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orehotsky, J.

1984-01-01

The flat-plate solar cell array program which increases the service lifetime of the photovoltaic modules used for terrestrial energy applications is discussed. The current-voltage response characteristics of the solar cells encapsulated in the modules degrade with service time and this degradation places a limitation on the useful lifetime of the modules. The most desirable flat-plate array system involves solar cells consisting of highly polarizable materials with similar electrochemical potentials where the cells are encapsulated in polymers in which ionic concentrations and mobilities are negligibly small. Another possible mechanism limiting the service lifetime of the photovoltaic modules is the gradual loss of the electrical insulation characteristics of the polymer pottant due to water absorption or due to polymer degradation from light or heat effects. The mechanical properties of various polymer pottant materials and of electrochemical corrosion mechanisms in solar cell material are as follows: (1) electrical and ionic resistivity; (2) water absorption kinetics and water solubility limits; and (3) corrosion characterization of various metallization systems used in solar cell construction.

A regulatory framework for shoot stem cell control integrating metabolic, transcriptional, and phytohormone signals.

PubMed

Schuster, Christoph; Gaillochet, Christophe; Medzihradszky, Anna; Busch, Wolfgang; Daum, Gabor; Krebs, Melanie; Kehle, Andreas; Lohmann, Jan U

2014-02-24

Plants continuously maintain pluripotent stem cells embedded in specialized tissues called meristems, which drive long-term growth and organogenesis. Stem cell fate in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) is controlled by the homeodomain transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS) expressed in the niche adjacent to the stem cells. Here, we demonstrate that the bHLH transcription factor HECATE1 (HEC1) is a target of WUS and that it contributes to SAM function by promoting stem cell proliferation, while antagonizing niche cell activity. HEC1 represses the stem cell regulators WUS and CLAVATA3 (CLV3) and, like WUS, controls genes with functions in metabolism and hormone signaling. Among the targets shared by HEC1 and WUS are phytohormone response regulators, which we show to act as mobile signals in a universal feedback system. Thus, our work sheds light on the mechanisms guiding meristem function and suggests that the underlying regulatory system is far more complex than previously anticipated. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Clinical observation of the application of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for the treatment of diabetic foot gangrene

PubMed Central

XU, SHI-MIN; LIANG, TING

2016-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the optimal mobilization plan in autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for the treatment of diabetic foot and to observe its clinical curative effect. A total of 127 patients with diabetic foot were treated with different doses of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize their hematopoietic stem cells. Subsequently, the extracted stem cell suspension was injected into the ischemic lower extremities along the blood vessels in the areas presenting with pathological changes. Following the treatment, the intermittent claudication distance, skin temperature, ankle brachial index and pain scores of the patients were evaluated. In addition, the associations among the mobilization time, doses and peripheral blood CD34+ level were analyzed. The collection efficiency of the stem cells was associated with the dose of G-CSF and the mobilization time. Following the injection of the autologous peripheral blood stem cell suspension, the ischemic area of the patients was improved significantly. In conclusion, autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation can promote the establishment of collateral circulation in patients with diabetic foot, and the optimal time for gathering stem cells is closely correlated with the peripheral blood CD34+ level. PMID:26889255

A Pre-Emptive Horizontal Channel Borrowing and Vertical Traffic Overflowing Channel Allocation Scheme for Overlay Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Fang-Ming; Jiang, Ling-Ge; He, Chen

In this paper, a channel allocation scheme is studied for overlay wireless networks to optimize connection-level QoS. The contributions of our work are threefold. First, a channel allocation strategy using both horizontal channel borrowing and vertical traffic overflowing (HCBVTO) is presented and analyzed. When all the channels in a given macrocell are used, high-mobility real-time handoff requests can borrow channels from adjacent homogeneous cells. In case that the borrowing requests fail, handoff requests may also be overflowed to heterogeneous cells, if possible. Second, high-mobility real-time service is prioritized by allowing it to preempt channels currently used by other services. And third, to meet the high QoS requirements of some services and increase the utilization of radio resources, certain services can be transformed between real-time services and non-real-time services as necessary. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed schemes can improve system performance.

Effect of Mobile Phone-Induced Electromagnetic Field on Brain Hemodynamics and Human Stem Cell Functioning: Possible Mechanistic Link to Cancer Risk and Early Diagnostic Value of Electronphotonic Imaging.

PubMed

Bhargav, Hemant; Srinivasan, T M; Varambally, S; Gangadhar, B N; Koka, Prasad

2015-01-01

The mobile phones (MP) are low power radio devices which work on electromagnetic fields (EMFs), in the frequency range of 900-1800 MHz. Exposure to MPEMFs may affect brain physiology and lead to various health hazards including brain tumors. Earlier studies with positron emission tomography (PET) have found alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) after acute exposure to MPEMFs. It is widely accepted that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their misrepair in stem cells are critical events in the multistage origination of various leukemia and tumors, including brain tumors such as gliomas. Both significant misbalance in DSB repair and severe stress response have been triggered by MPEMFs and EMFs from cell towers. It has been shown that stem cells are most sensitive to microwave exposure and react to more frequencies than do differentiated cells. This may be important for cancer risk assessment and indicates that stem cells are the most relevant cellular model for validating safe mobile communication signals. Recently developed technology for recording the human bio-electromagnetic (BEM) field using Electron photonic Imaging (EPI) or Gas Discharge Visualisation (GDV) technique provides useful information about the human BEM. Studies have recorded acute effects of Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Fields (MPEMFs) using EPI and found quantifiable effects on human BEM field. Present manuscript reviews evidences of altered brain physiology and stem cell functioning due to mobile phone/cell tower radiations, its association with increased cancer risk and explores early diagnostic value of EPI imaging in detecting EMF induced changes on human BEM.

A preliminary investigation into the prevalence and prediction of problematic cell phone use

PubMed Central

Smetaniuk, Peter

2014-01-01

Background and aims: Likening mobile phone use dependency to the classification of excessive behaviors may be necessarily equivalent in seriousness to previously established addictions such as problematic computing or excessive gambling. The aim of the study explores into the behavior of excessive use of mobile phones as a pathological behavior. Methods: Two studies investigated criteria for problematic mobile phone usage by examining student (Study 1, N = 301) and nonstudent (Study 2, N = 362) responses to a set of adapted mobile phone addiction inventories. Study 1 investigated cell phone addiction inventories as constructs designed to measure problematic cell phone use. Additionally, Study 2 sought to predict age, depression, extraversion, emotional stability, impulse control, and self-esteem as independent variables that augment respondents’ perceptions of problematic use. Results: The results from Study 1 and Study 2 indicate that 10 to 25% of the participants tested exhibited problematic cell phone usage. Additionally, age, depression, extraversion, and low impulse control are the most suitable predictors for problematic use. Conclusions: The results of the two studies indicate that problematic mobile phone use does occur and ought to be taken seriously by the psychological community. Presently, there is limited data providing conclusive evidence for a comprehensible categorization of cell phone addiction, as well as a unified explanatory model specific to problematic mobile phone use. Studies such as this one may contribute substantial findings, adding scientific significance, and offering a valuable submission for the ongoing progress of creating intervention frameworks relative to “virtual addictions”. PMID:25215213

A preliminary investigation into the prevalence and prediction of problematic cell phone use.

PubMed

Smetaniuk, Peter

2014-03-01

Likening mobile phone use dependency to the classification of excessive behaviors may be necessarily equivalent in seriousness to previously established addictions such as problematic computing or excessive gambling. The aim of the study explores into the behavior of excessive use of mobile phones as a pathological behavior. Two studies investigated criteria for problematic mobile phone usage by examining student (Study 1, N = 301) and nonstudent (Study 2, N = 362) responses to a set of adapted mobile phone addiction inventories. Study 1 investigated cell phone addiction inventories as constructs designed to measure problematic cell phone use. Additionally, Study 2 sought to predict age, depression, extraversion, emotional stability, impulse control, and self-esteem as independent variables that augment respondents' perceptions of problematic use. The results from Study 1 and Study 2 indicate that 10 to 25% of the participants tested exhibited problematic cell phone usage. Additionally, age, depression, extraversion, and low impulse control are the most suitable predictors for problematic use. The results of the two studies indicate that problematic mobile phone use does occur and ought to be taken seriously by the psychological community. Presently, there is limited data providing conclusive evidence for a comprehensible categorization of cell phone addiction, as well as a unified explanatory model specific to problematic mobile phone use. Studies such as this one may contribute substantial findings, adding scientific significance, and offering a valuable submission for the ongoing progress of creating intervention frameworks relative to "virtual addictions".

The effect of a crosslinking chemical reaction on pattern formation in viscous fingering of miscible fluids in a Hele-Shaw cell.

PubMed

Bunton, Patrick H; Tullier, Michael P; Meiburg, Eckart; Pojman, John A

2017-10-01

Viscous fingering can occur in fluid motion whenever a high mobility fluid displaces a low mobility fluid in a Darcy type flow. When the mobility difference is primarily attributable to viscosity (e.g., flow between the two horizontal plates of a Hele-Shaw cell), viscous fingering (VF) occurs, which is sometimes termed the Saffman-Taylor instability. Alternatively, in the presence of differences in density in a gravity field, buoyancy-driven convection can occur. These instabilities have been studied for decades, in part because of their many applications in pollutant dispersal, ocean currents, enhanced petroleum recovery, and so on. More recent interest has emerged regarding the effects of chemical reactions on fingering instabilities. As chemical reactions change the key flow parameters (densities, viscosities, and concentrations), they may have either a destabilizing or stabilizing effect on the flow. Hence, new flow patterns can emerge; moreover, one can then hope to gain some control over flow instabilities through reaction rates, flow rates, and reaction products. We report effects of chemical reactions on VF in a Hele-Shaw cell for a reactive step-growth cross-linking polymerization system. The cross-linked reaction product results in a non-monotonic viscosity profile at the interface, which affects flow stability. Furthermore, three-dimensional internal flows influence the long-term pattern that results.

The effect of a crosslinking chemical reaction on pattern formation in viscous fingering of miscible fluids in a Hele-Shaw cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunton, Patrick H.; Tullier, Michael P.; Meiburg, Eckart; Pojman, John A.

2017-10-01

Viscous fingering can occur in fluid motion whenever a high mobility fluid displaces a low mobility fluid in a Darcy type flow. When the mobility difference is primarily attributable to viscosity (e.g., flow between the two horizontal plates of a Hele-Shaw cell), viscous fingering (VF) occurs, which is sometimes termed the Saffman-Taylor instability. Alternatively, in the presence of differences in density in a gravity field, buoyancy-driven convection can occur. These instabilities have been studied for decades, in part because of their many applications in pollutant dispersal, ocean currents, enhanced petroleum recovery, and so on. More recent interest has emerged regarding the effects of chemical reactions on fingering instabilities. As chemical reactions change the key flow parameters (densities, viscosities, and concentrations), they may have either a destabilizing or stabilizing effect on the flow. Hence, new flow patterns can emerge; moreover, one can then hope to gain some control over flow instabilities through reaction rates, flow rates, and reaction products. We report effects of chemical reactions on VF in a Hele-Shaw cell for a reactive step-growth cross-linking polymerization system. The cross-linked reaction product results in a non-monotonic viscosity profile at the interface, which affects flow stability. Furthermore, three-dimensional internal flows influence the long-term pattern that results.

Horizontal transfer of chromosomal markers mediated by the large conjugative plasmid pXO16 from Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis.

PubMed

Makart, Lionel; Commans, Florian; Gillis, Annika; Mahillon, Jacques

2017-05-01

pXO16, a large plasmid originating from Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis, displays unique conjugation capacities: besides efficient self-transfer, it is able to mobilize and retro-mobilize non-conjugative plasmids, including those missing an oriT and/or a mob gene, also known as "non-mobilizable" plasmids. In this paper, another peculiar transfer property of pXO16 is described. This element is indeed able to transfer chromosomal loci at frequencies of ca. 10 -5 -10 -6 transconjugants/donor cell. Whereas most other chromosomal transfer systems occur via the integration of the conjugative elements into the chromosome prior to its transfer, pXO16 appears to transfer the chromosomal markers in the absence of physical integration, but rather through a "donation-type" mobilization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phone on some biophysical blood properties in rats.

PubMed

El-Bediwi, Abu Bakr; Saad, Mohamed; El-kott, Attall F; Eid, Eman

2013-04-01

Effects of electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phone on blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, hemolysis, Osmotic fragility, and blood components of rats have been investigated. Experimental results show that there are significant change on blood components and its viscosity which affects on a blood circulation due to many body problems. Red blood cells, White blood cells, and Platelets are broken after exposure to electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phone. Also blood viscosity and plasma viscosity values are increased but Osmotic fragility value decreased after exposure to electromagnetic radiation produced by mobile phone.

47 CFR 90.656 - Responsibilities of base station licensees of Specialized Mobile Radio systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... operate mobile units on a particular Specialized Mobile Radio system will be licensed to that system. A... Specialized Mobile Radio systems. 90.656 Section 90.656 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION... Bands § 90.656 Responsibilities of base station licensees of Specialized Mobile Radio systems. (a) The...

Mobile DNA and evolution in the 21st century

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Scientific history has had a profound effect on the theories of evolution. At the beginning of the 21st century, molecular cell biology has revealed a dense structure of information-processing networks that use the genome as an interactive read-write (RW) memory system rather than an organism blueprint. Genome sequencing has documented the importance of mobile DNA activities and major genome restructuring events at key junctures in evolution: exon shuffling, changes in cis-regulatory sites, horizontal transfer, cell fusions and whole genome doublings (WGDs). The natural genetic engineering functions that mediate genome restructuring are activated by multiple stimuli, in particular by events similar to those found in the DNA record: microbial infection and interspecific hybridization leading to the formation of allotetraploids. These molecular genetic discoveries, plus a consideration of how mobile DNA rearrangements increase the efficiency of generating functional genomic novelties, make it possible to formulate a 21st century view of interactive evolutionary processes. This view integrates contemporary knowledge of the molecular basis of genetic change, major genome events in evolution, and stimuli that activate DNA restructuring with classical cytogenetic understanding about the role of hybridization in species diversification. PMID:20226073

Functional silencing is initiated and maintained in immature anti-insulin B cells.

PubMed

Henry, Rachel A; Acevedo-Suárez, Carlos A; Thomas, James W

2009-03-15

Mechanisms of B cell tolerance act during development in the bone marrow and periphery to eliminate or restrict autoreactive clones to prevent autoimmune disease. B cells in the spleens of mice that harbor anti-insulin BCR transgenes (125Tg) are maintained in a functionally silenced or anergic state by endogenous hormone, but it is not clear when and where anergy is induced. An in vitro bone marrow culture system was therefore used to probe whether small protein hormones, a critical class of autoantigens, could interact with the BCR to induce anergy early during B cell development. Upon exposure to insulin, anti-insulin (125Tg) immature B cells show similar hallmarks of anergy as those observed in mature splenic B cells. These include BCR down-regulation, impaired proliferative responses to anti-CD40, and diminished calcium mobilization upon stimulation with BCR-dependent and independent stimuli. Inhibition of calcineurin also results in reduced immature B cell proliferation in a similar manner, suggesting a potential mechanism through which reduced intracellular calcium mobilization may be altering cellular proliferation. Signs of impairment appear after short-term exposure to insulin, which are reversible upon Ag withdrawal. This suggests that a high degree of functional plasticity is maintained at this stage and that constant Ag engagement is required to maintain functional inactivation. These findings indicate that tolerance observed in mature, splenic 125Tg B cells is initiated by insulin in the developing B cell compartment and thus highlight an important therapeutic window for the prevention of insulin autoimmunity.

Acute mobilization and migration of bone marrow-derived stem cells following anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

PubMed

Maerz, T; Fleischer, M; Newton, M D; Davidson, A; Salisbury, M; Altman, P; Kurdziel, M D; Anderson, K; Bedi, A; Baker, K C

2017-08-01

Little is known regarding acute local and systemic processes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. No study has elucidated whether bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mobilized into circulation and recruited to the injured joint. In Part 1, Lewis rats were randomized to noninvasive ACL rupture (Rupture) or non-injured (Control) (n = 6/group). After 72 h, whole blood MSC concentration was assessed using flow cytometry. Synovial fluid and serum were assayed for stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α and cartilage degeneration biomarkers, respectively. In Part 2, 12 additional rats were randomized and intravenously-injected with fluorescently-labeled allogenic MSCs. Cell tracking was performed using longitudinal, in vivo and ex vivo near-infrared (NIR) imaging and histology. Synovium SDF-1α and interleukin (IL)-17A immunostaining was performed. Serum was assayed for SDF-1α and 29 other cytokines. In Part 1, there was a significant increase in MSC concentration and synovial fluid SDF-1α in Rupture. No differences in cartilage biomarkers were observed. In Part 2, Rupture had significantly higher NIR signal at 24, 48, and 72 h, indicating active recruitment of MSCs to the injured joint. Ex vivo cell tracking demonstrated MSC localization in the synovium and myotendinous junction (MTJ) of the quadriceps. Injured synovia exhibited increased synovitis grade and higher degree of IL-17A and SDF-1α immunostaining. ACL rupture induced peripheral blood mobilization of MSCs and migration of intravenously-injected allogenic MSCs to the injured joint, where they localized in the synovium and quadriceps MTJ. Copyright © 2017 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Kidney cell electrophoresis in space flight: Rationale, methods, results and flow cytometry applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Todd, P.; Morrison, Dennis R.; Barlow, Grant H.; Lewis, Marian L.; Lanham, J. W.; Cleveland, C.; Williams, K.; Kunze, M. E.; Goolsby, C. L.

1988-01-01

Cultures of human embryonic kidney cells consistently contain an electrophoretically separable subpopulation of cells that produce high levels of urokinase and have an electrophoretic mobility about 85 percent as high as that of the most mobile human embryonic kidney cells. This subpopulation is rich in large epithelioid cells that have relatively little internal structure. When resolution and throughput are adequate, free fluid electrophoresis can be used to isolate a broad band of low mobility cells which also produces high levels of plasminogen activators (PAs). In the course of performing this, it was discovered that all electrophoretic subpopulations of cultured human embryonic kidney cells produce some PAs and that separate subpopulations produce high quantities of different types of PA's. This information and the development of sensitive assays for this project have provided new insights into cell secretion mechanisms related to fibrinolysis. These advances would probably not have been made without the NASA program to explore fundamental questions of free fluid electrophoresis in space.

[Knocking-out extra domain A alternative splice fragment of fibronectin using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/associated proteins 9 system].

PubMed

Yang, Yue; Wang, Haicheng; Xu, Shuyu; Peng, Jing; Jiang, Jiuhui; Li, Cuiying

2015-08-01

To investigate the effect of the fibronectin extra domain A on the aggressiveness of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) cells, via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/ associated proteins (Cas) system. One sgRNA was designed to target the upstream of the genome sequences of extra domain A(EDA) exon and the downstream. Then the sgRNA was linked into plasmid PX-330 and transfected into SACC-83 cells. PCR and DNA sequence were used to testify the knockout cells, and the monoclones of EDA absent SACC cells were selected (A+C-2, A+C-6, B+C-10). CCK-8 cell proliferation and invasion was then tested in control group and the experimental group. The sgRNA was successfully linked into PX-330 plasmid. Part of adenoid cystic carcinoma cells' SACC-83 genomic EDA exon was knocked out, and the knockdown efficiency was above 70%, but the total amount of fibronectin did not change significantly. Three monoclones of EDA absent SACC- 83 cells were successfully selected with diminished migration and proliferation. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was a simplified system with relatively high knockout efficiency and EDA knockout could inhibiting SACC cell's mobility and invasiveness.

Liver manipulation during liver surgery in humans is associated with hepatocellular damage and hepatic inflammation.

PubMed

van den Broek, Maartje A J; Shiri-Sverdlov, Ronit; Schreurs, Joris J W; Bloemen, Johanne G; Bieghs, Veerle; Rensen, Sander S; Dejong, Cornelis H C; Olde Damink, Steven W M

2013-04-01

Manipulation of the liver during liver surgery results in profound hepatocellular damage. Experimental data show that mobilization-induced hepatocellular damage is related to hepatic inflammation. To date, information on this link in humans is lacking. As it is possible to modulate inflammation, it is clinically relevant to unravel this relationship. This observational study aimed to establish the association between liver mobilization and hepatic inflammation in humans. Consecutive patients requiring mobilization of the right hemi-liver during liver surgery were studied. Plasma samples and liver biopsies were collected prior to and directly after mobilization and after transection of the liver. Hepatocellular damage was assayed by liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) and aminotransferase levels. Hepatic inflammation was determined by (a) immunohistochemical identification of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CD68- positive cells and (b) hepatic gene expression of inflammatory and cell adhesion molecules (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1). A total of 25 patients were included. L-FABP levels increased significantly during mobilization (301 ± 94 ng/ml to 1599 ± 362 ng/ml, P = 0.008), as did ALAT levels (36 ± 5 IU/L to 167 ± 21 IU/L, P < 0.001). A significant increase in MPO (P = 0.001) and CD68 (P = 0.002) positive cells was noticed in the liver after mobilization. The number of MPO-positive cells correlated with the duration of mobilization (Pearson correlation=0.505, P = 0.033). Hepatic gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6, chemo-attractant IL-8 and adhesion molecule ICAM-1 increased significantly during liver manipulation. Liver mobilization is associated with hepatocellular damage and liver inflammation, as shown by infiltration of inflammatory cells and upregulation of genes involved in acute inflammation. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

The role of immune system exhaustion on cancer cell escape and anti-tumor immune induction after irradiation.

PubMed

Mendes, Fernando; Domingues, Cátia; Rodrigues-Santos, Paulo; Abrantes, Ana Margarida; Gonçalves, Ana Cristina; Estrela, Jéssica; Encarnação, João; Pires, Ana Salomé; Laranjo, Mafalda; Alves, Vera; Teixo, Ricardo; Sarmento, Ana Bela; Botelho, Maria Filomena; Rosa, Manuel Santos

2016-04-01

Immune surveillance seems to represent an effective tumor suppressor mechanism. However, some cancer cells survive and become variants, being poorly immunogenic and able to enter a steady-state phase. These cells become functionally dormant or remain hidden clinically throughout. Neoplastic cells seem to be able to instruct immune cells to undergo changes promoting malignancy. Radiotherapy may act as a trigger of the immune response. After radiotherapy a sequence of reactions occurs, starting in the damage of oncogenic cells by multiple mechanisms, leading to the immune system positive feedback against the tumor. The link between radiotherapy and the immune system is evident. T cells, macrophages, Natural Killer cells and other immune cells seem to have a key role in controlling the tumor. T cells may be dysfunctional and remain in a state of T cell exhaustion, nonetheless, they often retain a high potential for successful defense against cancer, being able to be mobilized to become highly functional. The lack of clinical trials on a large scale makes data a little robust, in spite of promising information, there are still many variables in the studies relating to radiation and immune system. The clarification of the mechanisms underlying immune response to radiation exposure may contribute to treatment improvement, gain of life quality and span of patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation were essential for MGF E peptide regulating cell morphology and mobility but not proangiogenic capacity of BMSCs under severe hypoxia.

PubMed

Sha, Yongqiang; Yang, Li; Lv, Yonggang

2018-04-01

Severe hypoxia inhibits the adhesion and mobility of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and limits their application in bone tissue engineering. In this study, CoCl 2 was used to simulate severe hypoxia and the effects of mechano-growth factor (MGF) E peptide on the morphology, adhesion, migration, and proangiogenic capacity of BMSCs under hypoxia were measured. It was demonstrated that severe hypoxia (500-μM CoCl 2 ) significantly caused cell contraction and reduced cell area, roundness, adhesion, and migration of BMSCs. RhoA and ROCK1 expression levels were upregulated by severe hypoxia, but p-RhoA and mobility-relevant protein (integrin β1, p-FAK and fibronectin) expression levels in BMSCs were inhibited. Fortunately, MGF E peptide could restore all abovementioned indexes except RhoA expression. MEK-ERK1/2 pathway was involved in MGF E peptide regulating cell morphological changes, mobility, and relevant proteins (except p-FAK). PI3K-Akt pathway was involved in MGF E peptide regulating cell area, mobility, and relevant proteins. Besides, severe hypoxia upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor α expression but was harmful for proangiogenic capacity of BMSCs. Our study suggested that MGF E peptide might be helpful for the clinical application of tissue engineering strategy in bone defect repair. Sever hypoxia impairs bone defect repair with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This study proved that mechano-growth factor E (MGF E) peptide could improve the severe hypoxia-induced cell contraction and decline of cell adhesion and migration of BMSCs. Besides, MGF E peptide weakened the effects of severe hypoxia on the cytoskeleton arrangement- and mobility-relevant protein expression levels in BMSCs. The underlying molecular mechanism was also verified. Finally, it was confirmed that MGF E peptide showed an adverse effect on the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor α in BMSCs under severe hypoxia but could make up for this deficiency through accelerating cell proliferation. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Tbo-Filgrastim versus Filgrastim during Mobilization and Neutrophil Engraftment for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation.

PubMed

Elayan, Mohammed M; Horowitz, Justin G; Magraner, Jose M; Shaughnessy, Paul J; Bachier, Carlos

2015-11-01

There are limited data available supporting the use of the recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), tbo-filgrastim, rather than traditionally used filgrastim to mobilize peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) or to accelerate engraftment after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We sought to compare the efficacy and cost of tbo-filgrastim to filgrastim in these settings. Patients diagnosed with lymphoma or plasma cell disorders undergoing G-CSF mobilization, with or without plerixafor, were included in this retrospective analysis. The primary outcome was total collected CD34(+) cells/kg. Secondary mobilization endpoints included peripheral CD34(+) cells/μL on days 4 and 5 of mobilization, adjunctive use of plerixafor, CD34(+) cells/kg collected on day 5, number of collection days and volumes processed, number of collections reaching 5 million CD34(+) cells/kg, and percent reaching target collection goal in 1 day. Secondary engraftment endpoints included time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment, number of blood product transfusions required before engraftment, events of febrile neutropenia, and length of stay. A total of 185 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients receiving filgrastim (n = 86) collected a median of 5.56 × 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg, compared with a median of 5.85 × 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg in the tbo-filgrastim group (n = 99; P = .58). There were no statistically significant differences in all secondary endpoints with the exception of apheresis volumes processed (tbo-filgrastim, 17.0 liters versus filgrastim, 19.7 liters; P < .01) and mean platelet transfusions (tbo-filgrastim, 1.7 units versus filgrastim, 1.4 units; P = .04). In conclusion, tbo-filgrastim demonstrated similar CD34(+) yield compared with filgrastim in mobilization and post-transplantation settings, with no clinically meaningful differences in secondary efficacy and safety endpoints. Furthermore, tbo-filgrastim utilization was associated with cost savings of approximately $1406 per patient utilizing average wholesale price. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A high-throughput three-dimensional cell migration assay for toxicity screening with mobile device-based macroscopic image analysis

PubMed Central

Timm, David M.; Chen, Jianbo; Sing, David; Gage, Jacob A.; Haisler, William L.; Neeley, Shane K.; Raphael, Robert M.; Dehghani, Mehdi; Rosenblatt, Kevin P.; Killian, T. C.; Tseng, Hubert; Souza, Glauco R.

2013-01-01

There is a growing demand for in vitro assays for toxicity screening in three-dimensional (3D) environments. In this study, 3D cell culture using magnetic levitation was used to create an assay in which cells were patterned into 3D rings that close over time. The rate of closure was determined from time-lapse images taken with a mobile device and related to drug concentration. Rings of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and tracheal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were tested with ibuprofen and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Ring closure correlated with the viability and migration of cells in two dimensions (2D). Images taken using a mobile device were similar in analysis to images taken with a microscope. Ring closure may serve as a promising label-free and quantitative assay for high-throughput in vivo toxicity in 3D cultures. PMID:24141454

Understanding Local and Macroscopic Electron Mobilities in the Fullerene Network of Conjugated Polymer-based Solar Cells. Time-Resolved Microwave Conductivity and Theory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aguirre, Jordan C.; Arntsen, Christopher D.; Hernandez, Samuel

2013-09-23

The efficiency of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaics is sensitive to the morphology of the fullerene network that transports electrons through the device. This sensitivity makes it difficult to distinguish the contrasting roles of local electron mobility (how easily electrons can transfer between neighboring fullerene molecules) and macroscopic electron mobility (how well-connected is the fullerene network on device length scales) in solar cell performance. In this work, a combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, flash-photolysis time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) experiments, and space-charge-limit current (SCLC) mobility estimates are used to examine the roles of local and macroscopic electron mobility inmore » conjugated polymer/fullerene BHJ photovoltaics. The local mobility of different pentaaryl fullerene derivatives (so-called ‘shuttlecock’ molecules) is similar, so that differences in solar cell efficiency and SCLC mobilities result directly from the different propensities of these molecules to self-assemble on macroscopic length scales. These experiments and calculations also demonstrate that the local mobility of phenyl-C60 butyl methyl ester (PCBM) is an order of magnitude higher than that of other fullerene derivatives, explaining why PCBM has been the acceptor of choice for conjugated polymer BHJ devices even though it does not form an optimal macroscopic network. The DFT calculations indicate that PCBM's superior local mobility comes from the near-spherical nature of its molecular orbitals, which allow strong electronic coupling between adjacent molecules. In combination, DFT and TRMC techniques provide a tool for screening new fullerene derivatives for good local mobility when designing new molecules that can improve on the macroscopic electron mobility offered by PCBM.« less

User-centered development of a smart phone mobile application delivering personalized real-time advice on sun protection.

PubMed

Buller, David B; Berwick, Marianne; Shane, James; Kane, Ilima; Lantz, Kathleen; Buller, Mary Klein

2013-09-01

Smart phones are changing health communication for Americans. User-centered production of a mobile application for sun protection is reported. Focus groups (n = 16 adults) provided input on the mobile application concept. Four rounds of usability testing were conducted with 22 adults to develop the interface. An iterative programming procedure moved from a specification document to the final mobile application, named Solar Cell. Adults desired a variety of sun protection advice, identified few barriers to use and were willing to input personal data. The Solar Cell prototype was improved from round 1 (seven of 12 tasks completed) to round 2 (11 of 12 task completed) of usability testing and was interoperable across handsets and networks. The fully produced version was revised during testing. Adults rated Solar Cell as highly user friendly (mean = 5.06). The user-centered process produced a mobile application that should help many adults manage sun safety.

Mechanical stress and network structure drive protein dynamics during cytokinesis.

PubMed

Srivastava, Vasudha; Robinson, Douglas N

2015-03-02

Cell-shape changes associated with processes like cytokinesis and motility proceed on several-second timescales but are derived from molecular events, including protein-protein interactions, filament assembly, and force generation by molecular motors, all of which occur much faster [1-4]. Therefore, defining the dynamics of such molecular machinery is critical for understanding cell-shape regulation. In addition to signaling pathways, mechanical stresses also direct cytoskeletal protein accumulation [5-7]. A myosin-II-based mechanosensory system controls cellular contractility and shape during cytokinesis and under applied stress [6, 8]. In Dictyostelium, this system tunes myosin II accumulation by feedback through the actin network, particularly through the crosslinker cortexillin I. Cortexillin-binding IQGAPs are major regulators of this system. Here, we defined the short timescale dynamics of key cytoskeletal proteins during cytokinesis and under mechanical stress, using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, to examine the dynamic interplay between these proteins. Equatorially enriched proteins including cortexillin I, IQGAP2, and myosin II recovered much more slowly than actin and polar crosslinkers. The mobility of equatorial proteins was greatly reduced at the furrow compared to the interphase cortex, suggesting their stabilization during cytokinesis. This mobility shift did not arise from a single biochemical event, but rather from a global inhibition of protein dynamics by mechanical-stress-associated changes in the cytoskeletal structure. Mechanical tuning of contractile protein dynamics provides robustness to the cytoskeletal framework responsible for regulating cell shape and contributes to cytokinesis fidelity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Iterative current mode per pixel ADC for 3D SoftChip implementation in CMOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lachowicz, Stefan W.; Rassau, Alexander; Lee, Seung-Minh; Eshraghian, Kamran; Lee, Mike M.

2003-04-01

Mobile multimedia communication has rapidly become a significant area of research and development constantly challenging boundaries on a variety of technological fronts. The processing requirements for the capture, conversion, compression, decompression, enhancement, display, etc. of increasingly higher quality multimedia content places heavy demands even on current ULSI (ultra large scale integration) systems, particularly for mobile applications where area and power are primary considerations. The ADC presented in this paper is designed for a vertically integrated (3D) system comprising two distinct layers bonded together using Indium bump technology. The top layer is a CMOS imaging array containing analogue-to-digital converters, and a buffer memory. The bottom layer takes the form of a configurable array processor (CAP), a highly parallel array of soft programmable processors capable of carrying out complex processing tasks directly on data stored in the top plane. This paper presents a ADC scheme for the image capture plane. The analogue photocurrent or sampled voltage is transferred to the ADC via a column or a column/row bus. In the proposed system, an array of analogue-to-digital converters is distributed, so that a one-bit cell is associated with one sensor. The analogue-to-digital converters are algorithmic current-mode converters. Eight such cells are cascaded to form an 8-bit converter. Additionally, each photo-sensor is equipped with a current memory cell, and multiple conversions are performed with scaled values of the photocurrent for colour processing.

Mobile Care (Moca) for Remote Diagnosis and Screening

PubMed Central

Celi, Leo Anthony; Sarmenta, Luis; Rotberg, Jhonathan; Marcelo, Alvin; Clifford, Gari

2010-01-01

Moca is a cell phone-facilitated clinical information system to improve diagnostic, screening and therapeutic capabilities in remote resource-poor settings. The software allows transmission of any medical file, whether a photo, x-ray, audio or video file, through a cell phone to (1) a central server for archiving and incorporation into an electronic medical record (to facilitate longitudinal care, quality control, and data mining), and (2) a remote specialist for real-time decision support (to leverage expertise). The open source software is designed as an end-to-end clinical information system that seamlessly connects health care workers to medical professionals. It is integrated with OpenMRS, an existing open source medical records system commonly used in developing countries. PMID:21822397

Polymer non-fullerene solar cells of vastly different efficiencies for minor side-chain modification: impact of charge transfer, carrier lifetime, morphology and mobility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Awartani, Omar M.; Gautam, Bhoj; Zhao, Wenchao

The performance of the 11.25% efficient PBDB-T : ITIC system degraded to 4.35% after a minor side-chain modification in PBDB-O : ITIC. In this study, the underlying reasons behind this vast difference in efficiencies are investigated.

Polymer non-fullerene solar cells of vastly different efficiencies for minor side-chain modification: impact of charge transfer, carrier lifetime, morphology and mobility

DOE PAGES

Awartani, Omar M.; Gautam, Bhoj; Zhao, Wenchao; ...

2018-01-01

The performance of the 11.25% efficient PBDB-T : ITIC system degraded to 4.35% after a minor side-chain modification in PBDB-O : ITIC. In this study, the underlying reasons behind this vast difference in efficiencies are investigated.

[The cell phones as devices for the ocular fundus documentation].

PubMed

Němčanský, J; Kopecký, A; Timkovič, J; Mašek, P

2014-12-01

To present our experience with "smart phones" when examining and documenting human eyes. From September to October 2013 fifteen patients (8 men, 7 women) eye fundus was examined, an average age during the examination was 58 year (ranging from 20-65 years). The photo-documentation was performed with dilated pupils (tropicamid hydrochloridum 1% eye drops) with mobile phone Samsung Galaxy Nexus with the operating system Android 4.3 (Google Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA) and iPhone 4 with the operating system 7.0.4 (Apple Inc., Loop Cupertino, CA, USA), and with 20D lens (Volk Optical Inc., Mentor, OH, USA). The images of the retina taken with a mobile phone and the spherical lens are of a very good quality, precise and reproducible. Learning this technique is easy and fast, the learning curve is steep. Photo-documentation of retina with a mobile phone is a safe, time-saving, easy-to-learn technique, which may be used in a routine ophthalmologic practice. The main advantage of this technique is availability, small size and easy portability of the devices.

Toward Interactive Mobile Synchronous Learning Environment with Context-Awareness Service

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huang, Yueh-Min; Kuo, Yen-Hung; Lin, Yen-Ting; Cheng, Shu-Chen

2008-01-01

Mobile synchronous learning is a new challenge in the e-learning domain. While popular mobile communication devices, such as cell phones, cannot directly accommodate traditional synchronous content due to the major limitation of display size, other constraints also restrict convenient interactions while using mobile devices in a synchronous…

Embodied Germ Cell at Work: Building an Expansive Concept of Physical Mobility in Home Care

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Engestrom, Yrjo; Nummijoki, Jaana; Sannino, Annalisa

2012-01-01

This article presents a process of collective formation of a new concept of mobility between home care workers and their elderly clients, who are at risk of losing physical mobility and functional capacity. A new tool called mobility agreement was introduced to facilitate the inclusion of regular mobility exercises in home care visits and in the…

Assessment of geometry in 2D immune systems using high accuracy laser-based bioprinting techniques (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lauzurica, Sara; Márquez, Andrés.; Molpeceres, Carlos; Notario, Laura; Gómez-Fontela, Miguel; Lauzurica, Pilar

2017-02-01

The immune system is a very complex system that comprises a network of genetic and signaling pathways subtending a network of interacting cells. The location of the cells in a network, along with the gene products they interact with, rules the behavior of the immune system. Therefore, there is a great interest in understanding properly the role of a cell in such networks to increase our knowledge of the immune system response. In order to acquire a better understanding of these processes, cell printing with high spatial resolution emerges as one of the promising approaches to organize cells in two and three-dimensional patterns to enable the study the geometry influence in these interactions. In particular, laser assisted bio-printing techniques using sub-nanosecond laser sources have better characteristics for application in this field, mainly due to its higher spatial resolution, cell viability percentage and process automation. This work presents laser assisted bio-printing of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in two-dimensional geometries, placing cellular components on a matrix previously generated on demand, permitting to test the molecular interactions between APCs and lymphocytes; as well as the generation of two-dimensional structures designed ad hoc in order to study the mechanisms of mobilization of immune system cells. The use of laser assisted bio-printing, along with APCs and lymphocytes emulate the structure of different niches of the immune system so that we can analyse functional requirement of these interaction.

Advanced Lithium-Ion Cell Development for NASA's Constellation Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, Concha M.; Miller, Thomas B.; Manzo, Michelle A.; Mercer, Carolyn R.

2008-01-01

The Energy Storage Project of NASA s Exploration Technology Development Program is developing advanced lithium-ion batteries to meet the requirements for specific Constellation missions. NASA GRC, in conjunction with JPL and JSC, is leading efforts to develop High Energy and Ultra High Energy cells for three primary Constellation customers: Altair, Extravehicular Activities (EVA), and Lunar Surface Systems. The objective of the High Energy cell development is to enable a battery system that can operationally deliver approximately 150 Wh/kg for 2000 cycles. The Ultra High Energy cell development will enable a battery system that can operationally deliver 220 Wh/kg for 200 cycles. To accomplish these goals, cathode, electrolyte, separator, and safety components are being developed for High Energy Cells. The Ultra High Energy cell development adds lithium alloy anodes to the component development portfolio to enable much higher cell-level specific energy. The Ultra High Energy cell development is targeted for the ascent stage of Altair, which is the Lunar Lander, and for power for the Portable Life support System of the EVA Lunar spacesuit. For these missions, mass is highly critical, but only a limited number of cycles are required. The High Energy cell development is primarily targeted for Mobility Systems (rovers) for Lunar Surface Systems, however, due to the high risk nature of the Ultra High Energy cell development, the High Energy cell will also serve as a backup technology for Altair and EVA. This paper will discuss mission requirements and the goals of the material, component, and cell development efforts in further detail.

Integron associated mobile genes: Just a collection of plug in apps or essential components of cell network hardware?

PubMed

Labbate, Maurizio; Boucher, Yan; Luu, Ivan; Chowdhury, Piklu Roy; Stokes, H W

2012-01-01

Lateral gene transfer (LGT) impacts on the evolution of prokaryotes in both the short and long-term. The short-term impacts of mobilized genes are a concern to humans since LGT explains the global rise of multi drug resistant pathogens seen in the past 70 years. However, LGT has been a feature of prokaryotes from the earliest days of their existence and the concept of a bifurcating tree of life is not entirely applicable to prokaryotes since most genes in extant prokaryotic genomes have probably been acquired from other lineages. Successful transfer and maintenance of a gene in a new host is understandable if it acts independently of cell networks and confers an advantage. Antibiotic resistance provides an example of this whereby a gene can be advantageous in virtually any cell across broad species backgrounds. In a longer evolutionary context however laterally transferred genes can be assimilated into even essential cell networks. How this happens is not well understood and we discuss recent work that identifies a mobile gene, unique to a cell lineage, which is detrimental to the cell when lost. We also present some additional data and believe our emerging model will be helpful in understanding how mobile genes integrate into cell networks.

Enhanced Remedial Amendment Delivery to Subsurface Using Shear Thinning Fluid and Aqueous Foam

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhong, Lirong; Szecsody, James E.; Oostrom, Martinus

2011-04-23

A major issue with in situ subsurface remediation is the ability to achieve an even spatial distribution of remedial amendments to the contamination zones in an aquifer or vadose zone. Delivery of amendment to the aquifer using shear thinning fluid and to the vadose zone using aqueous foam has the potential to enhance the amendment distribution into desired locations and improve the remediation. 2-D saturated flow cell experiments were conducted to evaluate the enhanced sweeping, contaminant removal, and amendment persistence achieved by shear thinning fluid delivery. Bio-polymer xanthan gum solution was used as the shear thinning fluid. Unsaturated 1-D columnmore » and 2-D flow cell experiments were conducted to evaluate the mitigation of contaminant mobilization, amendment uniform distribution enhancement, and lateral delivery improvement by foam delivery. Surfactant sodium lauryl ether sulfate was used as the foaming agent. It was demonstrated that the shear thinning fluid injection enhanced the fluid sweeping over a heterogeneous system and increased the delivery of remedial amendment into low-permeability zones. The persistence of the amendment distributed into the low-perm zones by the shear thinning fluid was prolonged compared to that of amendment distributed by water injection. Foam delivery of amendment was shown to mitigate the mobilization of highly mobile contaminant from sediments under vadose zone conditions. Foam delivery also achieved more uniform amendment distribution in a heterogeneous unsaturated system, and demonstrated remarkable increasing in lateral distribution of the injected liquid compared to direct liquid injection.« less

Conceptual studies on the integration of a nuclear reactor system to a manned rover for Mars missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

El-Genk, Mohamed S.; Morley, Nicholas J.

1991-01-01

Multiyear civilian manned missions to explore the surface of Mars are thought by NASA to be possible early in the next century. Expeditions to Mars, as well as permanent bases, are envisioned to require enhanced piloted vehicles to conduct science and exploration activities. Piloted rovers, with 30 kWe user net power (for drilling, sampling and sample analysis, onboard computer and computer instrumentation, vehicle thermal management, and astronaut life support systems) in addition to mobility are being considered. The rover design, for this study, included a four car train type vehicle complete with a hybrid solar photovoltaic/regenerative fuel cell auxiliary power system (APS). This system was designed to power the primary control vehicle. The APS supplies life support power for four astronauts and a limited degree of mobility allowing the primary control vehicle to limp back to either a permanent base or an accent vehicle. The results showed that the APS described above, with a mass of 667 kg, was sufficient to provide live support power and a top speed of five km/h for 6 hours per day. It was also seen that the factors that had the largest effect on the APS mass were the life support power, the number of astronauts, and the PV cell efficiency. The topics covered include: (1) power system options; (2) rover layout and design; (3) parametric analysis of total mass and power requirements for a manned Mars rover; (4) radiation shield design; and (5) energy conversion systems.

Size and mobility of lipid domains tuned by geometrical constraints.

PubMed

Schütte, Ole M; Mey, Ingo; Enderlein, Jörg; Savić, Filip; Geil, Burkhard; Janshoff, Andreas; Steinem, Claudia

2017-07-25

In the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells, proteins and lipids are organized in clusters, the latter ones often called lipid domains or "lipid rafts." Recent findings highlight the dynamic nature of such domains and the key role of membrane geometry and spatial boundaries. In this study, we used porous substrates with different pore radii to address precisely the extent of the geometric constraint, permitting us to modulate and investigate the size and mobility of lipid domains in phase-separated continuous pore-spanning membranes (PSMs). Fluorescence video microscopy revealed two types of liquid-ordered ( l o ) domains in the freestanding parts of the PSMs: ( i ) immobile domains that were attached to the pore rims and ( ii ) mobile, round-shaped l o domains within the center of the PSMs. Analysis of the diffusion of the mobile l o domains by video microscopy and particle tracking showed that the domains' mobility is slowed down by orders of magnitude compared with the unrestricted case. We attribute the reduced mobility to the geometric confinement of the PSM, because the drag force is increased substantially due to hydrodynamic effects generated by the presence of these boundaries. Our system can serve as an experimental test bed for diffusion of 2D objects in confined geometry. The impact of hydrodynamics on the mobility of enclosed lipid domains can have great implications for the formation and lateral transport of signaling platforms.

Size and mobility of lipid domains tuned by geometrical constraints

PubMed Central

Schütte, Ole M.; Mey, Ingo; Savić, Filip; Geil, Burkhard; Janshoff, Andreas

2017-01-01

In the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells, proteins and lipids are organized in clusters, the latter ones often called lipid domains or “lipid rafts.” Recent findings highlight the dynamic nature of such domains and the key role of membrane geometry and spatial boundaries. In this study, we used porous substrates with different pore radii to address precisely the extent of the geometric constraint, permitting us to modulate and investigate the size and mobility of lipid domains in phase-separated continuous pore-spanning membranes (PSMs). Fluorescence video microscopy revealed two types of liquid-ordered (lo) domains in the freestanding parts of the PSMs: (i) immobile domains that were attached to the pore rims and (ii) mobile, round-shaped lo domains within the center of the PSMs. Analysis of the diffusion of the mobile lo domains by video microscopy and particle tracking showed that the domains’ mobility is slowed down by orders of magnitude compared with the unrestricted case. We attribute the reduced mobility to the geometric confinement of the PSM, because the drag force is increased substantially due to hydrodynamic effects generated by the presence of these boundaries. Our system can serve as an experimental test bed for diffusion of 2D objects in confined geometry. The impact of hydrodynamics on the mobility of enclosed lipid domains can have great implications for the formation and lateral transport of signaling platforms. PMID:28696315

Correlation between Photovoltaic Performance and Interchain Ordering Induced Delocalization of Electronics States in Conjugated Polymer Blends.

PubMed

Chandrasekaran, Naresh; Gann, Eliot; Jain, Nakul; Kumar, Anshu; Gopinathan, Sreelekha; Sadhanala, Aditya; Friend, Richard H; Kumar, Anil; McNeill, Christopher R; Kabra, Dinesh

2016-08-10

In this paper we correlate the solar cell performance with bimolecular packing of donor:acceptor bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs), where interchain ordering of the donor molecule and its influence on morphology, optical properties, and charge carrier dynamics of BHJ solar cells are studied in detail. Solar cells that are fabricated using more ordered defect free 100% regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (DF-P3HT) as the donor polymer show ca. 10% increase in the average power conversion efficiency (PCE) when compared to that of the solar cell fabricated using 92% regioregularity P3HT, referred to as rr-P3HT. EQE and UV-vis absorption spectrum show a clear increase in the 607 nm vibronic shoulder of the DF-P3HT blend suggesting better interchain ordering which was also reflected in the less Urbach energy (Eu) value for this system. The increase in ordering inside the blend has enhanced the hole-mobility which is calculated from the single carrier device J-V characteristics. Electroluminance (EL) studies on the DF-P3HT system showed a red-shifted peak when compared to rr-P3HT-based devices suggesting low CT energy states in DF-P3HT. The morphologies of the blend films are studied using AFM and grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) suggesting increase in the roughness and phase segregation which could enhance the internal scattering of the light inside the device and improvement in the crystallinity along alkyl and π-stacking direction. Hence, higher PCE, lower Eu, red-shifted EL emission, high hole-mobility, and better crystallinity suggest improved interchain ordering has facilitated a more delocalized HOMO state in DF-P3HT-based BHJ solar cells.

Preparation of pentacene thin film deposited using organic material auto-feeding system for the fabrication of organic thin film transistor.

PubMed

Kim, Young Baek; Choi, Bum Ho; Lim, Yong Hwan; Yoo, Ha Na; Lee, Jong Ho; Kim, Jin Hyeok

2011-02-01

In this study, pentacene organic thin film was prepared using newly developed organic material auto-feeding system integrated with linear cell and characterized. The newly developed organic material auto-feeding system consists of 4 major parts: reservoir, micro auto-feeder, vaporizer, and linear cell. The deposition of organic thin film could be precisely controlled by adjusting feeding rate, main tube size, position and size of nozzle. 10 nm thick pentacene thin film prepared on glass substrate exhibited high uniformity of 3.46% which is higher than that of conventional evaporation method using point cell. The continuous deposition without replenishment of organic material can be performed over 144 hours with regulated deposition control. The grain size of pentacene film which affect to mobility of OTFT, was controlled as a function of the temperature.

Cytosolic iron chaperones: Proteins delivering iron cofactors in the cytosol of mammalian cells.

PubMed

Philpott, Caroline C; Ryu, Moon-Suhn; Frey, Avery; Patel, Sarju

2017-08-04

Eukaryotic cells contain hundreds of metalloproteins that are supported by intracellular systems coordinating the uptake and distribution of metal cofactors. Iron cofactors include heme, iron-sulfur clusters, and simple iron ions. Poly(rC)-binding proteins are multifunctional adaptors that serve as iron ion chaperones in the cytosolic/nuclear compartment, binding iron at import and delivering it to enzymes, for storage (ferritin) and export (ferroportin). Ferritin iron is mobilized by autophagy through the cargo receptor, nuclear co-activator 4. The monothiol glutaredoxin Glrx3 and BolA2 function as a [2Fe-2S] chaperone complex. These proteins form a core system of cytosolic iron cofactor chaperones in mammalian cells. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

In vitro anticancer effects of a RAGE inhibitor discovered using a structure-based drug design system

PubMed Central

El-Far, Ali Hafez Ali Mohammed; Munesue, Seiichi; Harashima, Ai; Sato, Akira; Shindo, Mika; Nakajima, Shingo; Inada, Mana; Tanaka, Mariko; Takeuchi, Akihiko; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki; Yamamoto, Hiroshi; Shaheen, Hazem M.E.; El-Sayed, Yasser S.; Kawano, Shuhei; Tanuma, Sei-Ichi; Yamamoto, Yasuhiko

2018-01-01

Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a pattern recognition receptor implicated in the pathogenesis of certain types of cancer. In the present study, papaverine was identified as a RAGE inhibitor using the conversion to small molecules through optimized-peptide strategy drug design system. Papaverine significantly inhibited RAGE-dependent nuclear factor κ-B activation driven by high mobility group box-1, a RAGE ligand. Using RAGE- or dominant-negative RAGE-expressing HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells, the present study revealed that papaverine suppressed RAGE-dependent cell proliferation and migration dose-dependently. Furthermore, papaverine significantly inhibited cell invasion. The results of the present study suggested that papaverine could inhibit RAGE, and provided novel insights into the field of RAGE biology, particularly anticancer therapies. PMID:29541234

Race and ethnicity influences collection of G-CSF mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells from unrelated donors, a CIBMTR analysis

PubMed Central

Hsu, Jack W.; Wingard, John R.; Logan, Brent R.; Chitphakdithai, Pintip; Akpek, Gorgun; Anderlini, Paolo; Artz, Andrew S.; Bredeson, Chris; Goldstein, Steven; Hale, Gregory; Hematti, Pieman; Joshi, Sarita; Kamble, Rammurti T.; Lazarus, Hillard M.; O'Donnell, Paul V.; Pulsipher, Michael A.; Savani, Bipin; Schears, Raquel M.; Shaw, Bronwen E.; Confer, Dennis L.

2014-01-01

Little information exists on the effect of race and ethnicity on collection of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) for allogeneic transplantation. We studied 10776 donors from the National Marrow Donor Program who underwent PBSC collection from 2006-2012. Self-reported donor race/ethnic information included Caucasian, Hispanic, Black/African American (AA), Asian/Pacific Islander (API), and Native American (NA). All donors were mobilized with subcutaneous filgrastim (G-CSF) at an approximate dose of 10 µg/kg/d for 5 days. Overall, AA donors had the highest median yields of mononuclear cells (MNC)/L and CD34+ cells/L blood processed (3.1 × 109 and 44 × 106 respectively) while Caucasians had the lowest median yields at 2.8 × 109 and 33.7 × 106 respectively. Multivariate analysis of CD34+/L mobilization yields using Caucasians as the comparator and controlling for age, gender, body mass index, and year of apheresis revealed increased yields in overweight and obese AA and API donors. In Hispanic donors, only male obese donors had higher CD34+/L mobilization yields compared to Caucasian donors. No differences in CD34+/L yields were seen between Caucasian and NA donors. Characterization of these differences may allow optimization of mobilization regimens to allow enhancement of mobilization yields without compromising donor safety. PMID:25316111

Operation of molten carbonate fuel cells with different biogas sources: A challenging approach for field trials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trogisch, S.; Hoffmann, J.; Daza Bertrand, L.

In the past years research in the molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) area has been focusing its efforts on the utilisation of natural gas as fuel (S. Geitmann, Wasserstoff- & Brennstoffzellen-Projekte, 2002, ISBN 3-8311-3280-1). In order to increase the advantages of this technology, an international consortium has worked on the utilisation of biogas as fuel in MCFC. During the 4 years lasting RTD project EFFECTIVE two different gas upgrading systems have been developed and constructed together with two mobile MCFC test beds which were operated at different locations for approximately 2.000-5.000 h in each run with biogas from different origins and quality. The large variety of test locations has enabled to gather a large database for assessing the effect of the different biogas qualities on the complete system consisting of the upgrading and the fuel cell systems. The findings are challenging. This article also aims at giving an overview of the advantages of using biogas as fuel for fuel cells.

The Synthesis of Human Placental Lactogen by Ribosomes Derived from Human Placenta

PubMed Central

Boime, Irving; Boguslawski, Sophie

1974-01-01

In a very active cell-free system containing polysomes derived from human placenta and a cell-sap fraction prepared from ascites tumor cells, the synthesis of the hormone human placental lactogen (HPL) was detected. The identification was based on the following: (a) The in vitro synthesized protein labeled with [35S]methionine migrated at the same rate as authentic HPL on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels and (b) tryptic fingerprint analysis of the labeled protein yielded peptides having the same mobilities as seen with the same analysis of purified HPL. The amount of HPL synthesized in a cell-free system containing polysomes derived from term placenta was about 10% of the total proteins synthesized and in a comparable system containing first trimester ribosomes the level of synthesis was about 5%. These data suggest the potential for quantitating the HPL mRNA activity as a function of the period of gestation and for isolating the mRNA itself. Images PMID:4524639

Evaluation of Dutch guideline for just-in-time addition of plerixafor to stem cell mobilization in patients who fail with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor.

PubMed

Bilgin, Yavuz M; Visser, Otto; Beckers, Erik A M; te Boome, Liane C J; Huisman, Cynthia; Ypma, Paula F; Croockewit, Alexandra J; Netelenbos, Tanja; Kramer, Ellen P A; de Greef, Georgine E

2015-05-01

Plerixafor in combination with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is approved for the use of stem cell collection in patients who fail to mobilize on G-CSF. In 2009 the Stem Cell Working Party of the Dutch-Belgian Cooperative Trial group for Hematology Oncology (HOVON) composed a guideline for the use of plerixafor. According to this guideline it is recommended to add plerixafor to G-CSF in patients with circulating CD34+ cell counts of fewer than 20 × 10(6) /L on 2 consecutive days accompanied by increasing white blood cells. In this analysis we evaluated retrospectively the outcome of the use of this guideline in the Netherlands. In total 111 patients received plerixafor with a median one administration (range, one to four administrations). Of these patients 55.8% had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 31.5% multiple myeloma, 8.1% Hodgkin lymphoma, and 4.5% nonhematologic malignancies. In 63.9% patients sufficient numbers of CD34+ cells were collected. In patients with multiple myeloma more successful mobilizations with plerixafor were observed compared to patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (71.4% vs. 61.3%). In patients with circulating CD34+ cell counts of at least 2.0 × 10(6) /L before administration of plerixafor a successful mobilization was achieved in 76.5%, and in the patients with very low (0-1 × 10(6) /L) circulating CD34+ cell counts the success rate was 44.2%. Application of the HOVON guideline on the just-in-time administration of plerixafor is effective for mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells in the majority of patients. Stem cell yield in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma was lower compared to patients with multiple myeloma. Also patients with very low circulating CD34+ cells before addition of plerixafor might benefit from this approach. © 2014 AABB.

Simulation of a 250 kW diesel fuel processor/PEM fuel cell system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amphlett, J. C.; Mann, R. F.; Peppley, B. A.; Roberge, P. R.; Rodrigues, A.; Salvador, J. P.

Polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems offer a potential power source for utility and mobile applications. Practical fuel cell systems use fuel processors for the production of hydrogen-rich gas. Liquid fuels, such as diesel or other related fuels, are attractive options as feeds to a fuel processor. The generation of hydrogen gas for fuel cells, in most cases, becomes the crucial design issue with respect to weight and volume in these applications. Furthermore, these systems will require a gas clean-up system to insure that the fuel quality meets the demands of the cell anode. The endothermic nature of the reformer will have a significant affect on the overall system efficiency. The gas clean-up system may also significantly effect the overall heat balance. To optimize the performance of this integrated system, therefore, waste heat must be used effectively. Previously, we have concentrated on catalytic methanol-steam reforming. A model of a methanol steam reformer has been previously developed and has been used as the basis for a new, higher temperature model for liquid hydrocarbon fuels. Similarly, our fuel cell evaluation program previously led to the development of a steady-state electrochemical fuel cell model (SSEM). The hydrocarbon fuel processor model and the SSEM have now been incorporated in the development of a process simulation of a 250 kW diesel-fueled reformer/fuel cell system using a process simulator. The performance of this system has been investigated for a variety of operating conditions and a preliminary assessment of thermal integration issues has been carried out. This study demonstrates the application of a process simulation model as a design analysis tool for the development of a 250 kW fuel cell system.

Inhibition of muscarinic-stimulated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization in cat iris sphincter smooth muscle cells by cAMP-elevating agents.

PubMed

Ding, K H; Husain, S; Akhtar, R A; Isales, C M; Abdel-Latif, A A

1997-09-01

The effects of carbachol (CCh) on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization, and their regulation by cAMP-elevating agents were investigated in SV-40 transformed cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (SV-CISM-2) cells. CCh produced time- and dose-dependent increases in IP3 production; the t1/2 and EC50 values were 68 s and 0.5 microM, respectively. The muscarinic agonist provoked a transient increase in [Ca2+]i which reached maximum within 77 s, and increased [Ca2+]i mobilization in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 1.4 microM. Thapsigargin, a Ca(2+)-pump inhibitor, caused a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i and subsequent addition of CCh was without effect. Both CCh-induced IP3 production and CCh-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization were more potently antagonized by 4-DAMP, an M3 muscarinic receptor antagonist, than by pirenzepine, an M1 receptor antagonist, suggesting that both responses are mediated through the M3 receptor subtype. Treatment of the cells with U73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in both CCh-stimulated IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization. These data indicate close correlation between enhanced IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization in these smooth muscle cells and suggest that the CCh-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i could be mediated through increased IP3 production. Isoproterenol (ISO) inhibited CCh-induced IP3 production (IC50 = 80 nM) and [Ca2+]i mobilization (IC50 = 0.17 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. Microsomal fractions isolated from SV-CISM-2 cells contained phospholipase C (PLC) which was stimulated by CCh (10 microM) and GTP gamma S (0.1 microM). Pretreatment of the cells with ISO or forskolin, 5 microM each, produced membrane fractions in which CCh-stimulated PLC activity was significantly attenuated. Furthermore, when microsomal fractions isolated from SV-CISM-2 cells were phosphorylated with Protein kinase A (PKA), the CCh- and GTP gamma S-stimulated IP3 production were significantly inhibited. It can be concluded from these studies that in SV-CISM-2 cells, activation of M3 muscarinic receptors results in stimulation of PLC-mediated PIP2 hydrolysis, generating IP3 which mobilizes [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, elevation of cAMP may inhibit IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization through mechanisms involving PKA-dependent phosphorylation of PLC, G-proteins, IP3 receptor and/or IP3 metabolizing enzymes.

Evaluation of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors expression in mobile tongue squamous cell carcinoma: associations with clinicopathological parameters and patients' survival.

PubMed

Theocharis, Stamatios; Giaginis, Constantinos; Alexandrou, Paraskevi; Rodriguez, Jose; Tasoulas, Jason; Danas, Eugene; Patsouris, Efstratios; Klijanienko, Jerzy

2016-03-01

Cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R) constitute essential members of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which participates in many different functions indispensable to homeostatic regulation in several tissues, exerting also antitumorigenic effects. The present study aimed to assess the clinical significance of CB1R and CB2R protein expression in mobile tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). CB1R and CB2R expression was assessed immunohistochemically on 28 mobile tongue SCC tissue samples and was analyzed in relation with clinicopathological characteristics and overall and disease-free patients' survival. CB1R, CB2R, and concomitant CB1R/CB2R expression was significantly increased in older compared to younger mobile tongue SCC patients (p = 0.0243, p = 0.0079, and p = 0.0366, respectively). Enhanced CB2R and concomitant CB1R/CB2R expression was significantly more frequently observed in female compared to male mobile tongue SCC patients (p = 0.0025 and p = 0.0016, respectively). Elevated CB2R expression was significantly more frequently observed in mobile tongue SCC patients presenting well-defined tumor shape compared to those with diffuse (p = 0.0430). Mobile tongue SCC patients presenting enhanced CB1R, CB2R, or concomitant CB1R/CB2R expression showed significantly longer overall (log-rank test, p = 0.004, p = 0.011, p = 0.018, respectively) and disease-free (log-rank test, p = 0.003, p = 0.007, p = 0.027, respectively) survival times compared to those with low expression. In multivariate analysis, CB1R was identified as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free patients' survival (Cox-regression analysis, p = 0.032). The present study provides evidence that CB1R and CB2R may play a role in the pathophysiological aspects of the mobile tongue SCC and even each molecule may constitute a potential target for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs for this type of malignancy.

How dying cells alert the immune system to danger

PubMed Central

Kono, Hajime; Rock, Kenneth L.

2009-01-01

When a cell dies in vivo the event does not go unnoticed. The host has evolved mechanisms to detect the death of cells and rapidly investigate the nature of their demise. If cell death is a result of natural causes, that is, it is part of normal physiological processes, then there is little threat to the organism. In this situation, little else is done other than removing the corpse. However, if cells have died as the consequence of some violence or disease, then both defence and repair mechanisms are mobilized. The importance of this process to host defence and disease pathogenesis has only been appreciated relatively recently. This article will review our current knowledge of these processes. PMID:18340345

Systems Maturity Assessment of the Lithium Ion Battery for Extravehicular Mobility Unit Project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, Samuel P.

2011-01-01

The Long Life (Lithium Ion) Battery (LLB/LIB) is designed to replace the current Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Silver/Zinc (Ag/Zn) Increased Capacity Battery (ICB), which is used to provide power to the Primary Life Support Subsystem (PLSS) during Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). The LLB (a battery based on commercial lithium ion cell technology) is designed to have the same electrical and mechanical interfaces as the current ICB. The EMU LIB Charger is designed to charge, discharge, and condition the LLB either in a charger-strapped configuration or in an EMU-mounted configuration. This paper will retroactively apply the principles of Systems Maturity Assessment to the LLB project through use of the Integration Readiness Level and Earned Readiness Management. The viability of this methodology will be considered for application to new and existing technology development projects.

Pervasive mobile healthcare systems for chronic disease monitoring.

PubMed

Huzooree, Geshwaree; Kumar Khedo, Kavi; Joonas, Noorjehan

2017-05-01

Pervasive mobile healthcare system has the potential to improve healthcare and the quality of life of chronic disease patients through continuous monitoring. Recently, many articles related to pervasive mobile healthcare system focusing on health monitoring using wireless technologies have been published. The main aim of this review is to evaluate the state-of-the-art pervasive mobile healthcare systems to identify major technical requirements and design challenges associated with the realization of a pervasive mobile healthcare system. A systematic literature review was conducted over IEEE Xplore Digital Library to evaluate 20 pervasive mobile healthcare systems out of 683 articles from 2011 to 2016. The classification of the pervasive mobile healthcare systems and other important factors are discussed. Potential opportunities and challenges are pointed out for the further deployment of effective pervasive mobile healthcare systems. This article helps researchers in health informatics to have a holistic view toward understanding pervasive mobile healthcare systems and points out new technological trends and design challenges that researchers have to consider when designing such systems for better adoption, usability, and seamless integration.

Advanced Vehicle system concepts. [nonpetroleum passenger transportation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hardy, K. S.; Langendoen, J. M.

1983-01-01

Various nonpetroleum vehicle system concepts for passenger vehicles in the 1990's are being considered as part of the Advanced Vehicle (AV) Assessment at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The vehicle system and subsystem performance requirements, the projected characteristics of mature subsystem candidates, and promising systems are presented. The system candidates include electric and hybrid vehicles powered by electricity with or without a nonpetroleum power source. The subsystem candidates include batteries (aqueous-mobile, flow, high-temperature, and metal-air), fuel cells (phosphoric acid, advanced acids, and solid polymer electrolyte), nonpetroleum heat engines, advanced dc and ac propulsion components, power-peaking devices, and transmissions.

Comparing Two Tools for Mobile-Device Forensics

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

baseline standard. 2.4 Mobile Operating Systems "A mobile operating system is an operating system that is specifically designed to run on mobile devices... run on mobile devices" [7]. There are many different types of mobile operating systems and they are constantly changing, which means an operating...to this is that the security features make forensic analysis more difficult [11]. 2.4.2 iPhone "The iPhone runs an operating system called iOS. It is a

Accessible microscopy workstation for students and scientists with mobility impairments.

PubMed

Duerstock, Bradley S

2006-01-01

An integrated accessible microscopy workstation was designed and developed to allow persons with mobility impairments to control all aspects of light microscopy with minimal human assistance. This system, named AccessScope, is capable of performing brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and tissue morphometry requisite for undergraduate science courses to graduate-level research. An accessible microscope is necessary for students and scientists with mobility impairments to be able to use a microscope independently to better understand microscopical imaging concepts and cell biology. This knowledge is not always apparent by simply viewing a catalog of histological images. The ability to operate a microscope independently eliminates the need to hire an assistant or rely on a classmate and permits one to take practical laboratory examinations by oneself. Independent microscope handling is also crucial for graduate students and scientists with disabilities to perform scientific research. By making a personal computer as the user interface for controlling AccessScope functions, different upper limb mobility impairments could be accommodated by using various computer input devices and assistive technology software. Participants with a range of upper limb mobility impairments evaluated the prototype microscopy workstation. They were able to control all microscopy functions including loading different slides without assistance.

Visualization of T Cell-Regulated Monocyte Clusters Mediating Keratinocyte Death in Acquired Cutaneous Immunity.

PubMed

Liu, Zheng; Yang, Fei; Zheng, Hao; Fan, Zhan; Qiao, Sha; Liu, Lei; Tao, Juan; Luo, Qingming; Zhang, Zhihong

2018-06-01

It remains unclear how monocytes are mobilized to amplify inflammatory reactions in T cell-mediated adaptive immunity. Here, we investigate dynamic cellular events in the cascade of inflammatory responses through intravital imaging of a multicolor-labeled murine contact hypersensitivity model. We found that monocytes formed clusters around hair follicles in the contact hypersensitivity model. In this process, effector T cells encountered dendritic cells under regions of monocyte clusters and secreted IFN-γ, which mobilizes CCR2-dependent monocyte interstitial migration and CXCR2-dependent monocyte cluster formation. We showed that hair follicles shaped the inflammatory microenvironment for communication among the monocytes, keratinocytes, and effector T cells. After disrupting the T cell-mobilized monocyte clusters through CXCR2 antagonization, monocyte activation and keratinocyte apoptosis were significantly inhibited. Our study provides a new perspective on effector T cell-regulated monocyte behavior, which amplifies the inflammatory reaction in acquired cutaneous immunity. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Mobile Asset Tracking System Architecture under Mobile-Stationary Co-Existing WSNs

PubMed Central

Kim, Tae Hyon; Jo, Hyeong Gon; Lee, Jae Shin; Kang, Soon Ju

2012-01-01

The tracking of multiple wireless mobile nodes is not easy with current legacy WSN technologies, due to their inherent technical complexity, especially when heavy traffic and frequent movement of mobile nodes are encountered. To enable mobile asset tracking under these legacy WSN systems, it is necessary to design a specific system architecture that can manage numerous mobile nodes attached to mobile assets. In this paper, we present a practical system architecture including a communication protocol, a three-tier network, and server-side middleware for mobile asset tracking in legacy WSNs consisting of mobile-stationary co-existing infrastructures, and we prove the functionality of this architecture through careful evaluation in a test bed. Evaluation was carried out in a microwave anechoic chamber as well as on a straight road near our office. We evaluated communication mobility performance between mobile and stationary nodes, location-awareness performance, system stability under numerous mobile node conditions, and the successful packet transfer rate according to the speed of the mobile nodes. The results indicate that the proposed architecture is sufficiently robust for application in realistic mobile asset tracking services that require a large number of mobile nodes. PMID:23242277

Repeated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell mobilization without depletion of the bone marrow stem and progenitor cell pool in mice after repeated administration of recombinant murine G-CSF.

PubMed

de Kruijf, Evert-Jan F M; van Pel, Melissa; Hagoort, Henny; Kruysdijk, Donnée; Molineux, Graham; Willemze, Roel; Fibbe, Willem E

2007-05-01

Administration of recombinant-human G-CSF (rhG-CSF) is highly efficient in mobilizing hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSC/HPC) from the bone marrow (BM) toward the peripheral blood. This study was designed to investigate whether repeated G-CSF-induced HSC/HPC mobilization in mice could lead to a depletion of the bone marrow HSC/HPC pool with subsequent loss of mobilizing capacity. To test this hypothesis Balb/c mice were treated with a maximum of 12 repeated 5-day cycles of either 10 microg rhG-CSF/day or 0.25 microg rmG-CSF/day. Repeated administration of rhG-CSF lead to strong inhibition of HSC/HPC mobilization toward the peripheral blood and spleen after >4 cycles because of the induction of anti-rhG-CSF antibodies. In contrast, after repeated administration of rmG-CSF, HSC/HPC mobilizing capacity remained intact for up to 12 cycles. The number of CFU-GM per femur did not significantly change for up to 12 cycles. We conclude that repeated administration of G-CSF does not lead to depletion of the bone marrow HSC/HPC pool.

Mobilization of LINE-1 retrotransposons is restricted by Tex19.1 in mouse embryonic stem cells

PubMed Central

MacLennan, Marie; García-Cañadas, Marta; Reichmann, Judith; Khazina, Elena; Wagner, Gabriele; Playfoot, Christopher J; Salvador-Palomeque, Carmen; Mann, Abigail R; Peressini, Paula; Sanchez, Laura; Dobie, Karen; Read, David; Hung, Chao-Chun; Eskeland, Ragnhild; Meehan, Richard R; Weichenrieder, Oliver; García-Pérez, Jose Luis; Adams, Ian R

2017-01-01

Mobilization of retrotransposons to new genomic locations is a significant driver of mammalian genome evolution, but these mutagenic events can also cause genetic disorders. In humans, retrotransposon mobilization is mediated primarily by proteins encoded by LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons, which mobilize in pluripotent cells early in development. Here we show that TEX19.1, which is induced by developmentally programmed DNA hypomethylation, can directly interact with the L1-encoded protein L1-ORF1p, stimulate its polyubiquitylation and degradation, and restrict L1 mobilization. We also show that TEX19.1 likely acts, at least in part, through promoting the activity of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR2 towards L1-ORF1p. Moreover, loss of Tex19.1 increases L1-ORF1p levels and L1 mobilization in pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells, implying that Tex19.1 prevents de novo retrotransposition in the pluripotent phase of the germline cycle. These data show that post-translational regulation of L1 retrotransposons plays a key role in maintaining trans-generational genome stability in mammals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.26152.001 PMID:28806172

Long-active granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization.

PubMed

Martino, Massimo; Laszlo, Daniele; Lanza, Francesco

2014-06-01

Peg-filgrastim (PEG-FIL), a polyethylene glycol-conjugated form of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), has been introduced in clinical practice and is effective in shortening the time of neutropenia after cytotoxic chemotherapy. G-CSF has emerged as the preferred cytokine for hematopoietic progenitor cells' (HPC) mobilization. Nevertheless, data on the ability of PEG-FIL in this field have been published. We review publications in the field with the goal of providing an overview of this approach. PEG-FIL may be able to mobilize CD34(+) cells in a more timely fashion than G-CSF, with the advantages of only a single-dose administration, an earlier start and a reduction in the number of apheresis procedures. The main controversies concern the dosage of the drug and the optimal dose. In the context of chemo-mobilization, a single dose of 6 mg PEG-FIL seems effective in terms of HPC's mobilization and there is no increase in this effect if the dose is doubled to 12 mg. Steady-state mobilization requires higher doses of PEG-FIL and this approach is not cost-effective when compared with G-CSF. The experiences with PEG-FIL in the healthy donor setting are very limited.

Modeling Methodologies for Design and Control of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell APUs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pianese, C.; Sorrentino, M.

2009-08-01

Among the existing fuel cell technologies, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are particularly suitable for both stationary and mobile applications, due to their high energy conversion efficiencies, modularity, high fuel flexibility, low emissions and noise. Moreover, the high working temperatures enable their use for efficient cogeneration applications. SOFCs are entering in a pre-industrial era and a strong interest for designing tools has growth in the last years. Optimal system configuration, components sizing, control and diagnostic system design require computational tools that meet the conflicting needs of accuracy, affordable computational time, limited experimental efforts and flexibility. The paper gives an overview on control-oriented modeling of SOFC at both single cell and stack level. Such an approach provides useful simulation tools for designing and controlling SOFC-APUs destined to a wide application area, ranging from automotive to marine and airplane APUs.

Targeting the CXCR4-CXCL12 axis mobilizes autologous hematopoietic stem cells and prolongs islet allograft survival via PD-L1

PubMed Central

Fiorina, Paolo; Jurewicz, Mollie; Vergani, Andrea; Petrelli, Alessandra; Carvello, Michele; D’Addio, Francesca; Godwin, Jonathan G.; Law, Kenneth; Wu, Erxi; Tian, Ze; Thoma, Gebhard; Kovarik, Jiri; La Rosa, Stefano; Capella, Carlo; Rodig, Scott; Zerwes, Hans-Guenter; Sayegh, Mohamed H.; Abdi, Reza

2012-01-01

Antagonism of CXCR4 disrupts the interaction between the CXCR4 receptor on HSCs and the CXCL12 expressed by stromal cells in the bone marrow, which subsequently results in the shedding of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to the periphery. Due to their profound immunomodulatory effects, HSCs have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for autoimmune disorders. We sought to investigate the immunomodulatory role of mobilized autologous HSCs, via target of the CXCR4-CXL12 axis, to promote engraftment of islet cell transplantation. Islets from BALB/c mice were transplanted beneath the kidney capsule of hyperglycemic C57BL/6 mice, and treatment of recipients with CXCR4 antagonist resulted in mobilization of HSCs and in prolongation of islet graft survival. Addition of Rapamycin to anti-CXCR4 therapy further promoted HSC mobilization and islet allograft survival, inducing a robust and transferable host hyporesponsiveness, while administration of an ACK2 (anti-CD117) mAb halted CXCR4 antagonist-mediated HSC release and restored allograft rejection. Mobilized HSCs were shown to express high levels of the negative co-stimulatory molecule PD-L1, and HSCs extracted from WT mice, but not from PD-L1 KO, suppressed the in vitro alloimmune response. Moreover, HSC mobilization in PD-L1 KO mice failed to prolong islet allograft survival. Targeting the CXCR4-CXCL12 axis thus mobilizes autologous HSCs and promotes long-term survival of islet allografts via a PD-L1-mediated mechanism. PMID:21131428

Effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones (GSM 900 and WCDMA/UMTS) on the macrostructure of sleep.

PubMed

Danker-Hopfe, Heidi; Dorn, Hans; Bahr, Achim; Anderer, Peter; Sauter, Cornelia

2011-03-01

In the present double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled cross-over study, possible effects of electromagnetic fields emitted by Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) 900 and Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access (WCDMA)/Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) cell-phones on the macrostructure of sleep were investigated in a laboratory environment. An adaptation night, which served as screening night for sleep disorders and as an adjustment night to the laboratory environment, was followed by 9 study nights (separated by a 2-week interval) in which subjects were exposed to three exposure conditions (sham, GSM 900 and WCDMA/UMTS). The sample comprised 30 healthy male subjects within the age range 18-30 years (mean ± standard deviation: 25.3 ± 2.6 years). A cell-phone usage at maximum radio frequency (RF) output power was simulated and the transmitted power was adjusted in order to approach, but not to exceed, the specific absorption rate (SAR) limits of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for general public exposure (SAR(10g) = 2.0 W kg(-1)). In this study, possible effects of long-term (8 h) continuous RF exposure on the central nervous system were analysed during sleep, because sleep is a state in which many confounding intrinsic and extrinsic factors (e.g. motivation, personality, attitude) are eliminated or controlled. Thirteen of 177 variables characterizing the initiation and maintenance of sleep in the GSM 900 and three in the WCDMA exposure condition differed from the sham condition. The few significant results are not indicative of a negative impact on sleep architecture. From the present results there is no evidence for a sleep-disturbing effect of GSM 900 and WCDMA exposure. © 2010 European Sleep Research Society.

Methods of determining complete sensor requirements for autonomous mobility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curtis, Steven A. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A method of determining complete sensor requirements for autonomous mobility of an autonomous system includes computing a time variation of each behavior of a set of behaviors of the autonomous system, determining mobility sensitivity to each behavior of the autonomous system, and computing a change in mobility based upon the mobility sensitivity to each behavior and the time variation of each behavior. The method further includes determining the complete sensor requirements of the autonomous system through analysis of the relative magnitude of the change in mobility, the mobility sensitivity to each behavior, and the time variation of each behavior, wherein the relative magnitude of the change in mobility, the mobility sensitivity to each behavior, and the time variation of each behavior are characteristic of the stability of the autonomous system.

Peripheral blood stem cell collection for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Practical implications after 200 consequent transplants.

PubMed

Goren Sahin, Deniz; Arat, Mutlu

2017-12-01

Proper stem cell mobilization is one of the most important steps in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The aim of this paper is to share our 6 years' experience and provide practical clinical approaches particularly for stem cell mobilization and collection within the series of more than 200 successive allogeneic HSCT at our transplant center. Two hundred and seven consecutive patients who underwent allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation were included in this study. Age, sex, weight, complete blood counts, CD34 + cell counts, total collected amount of CD34 + cells, CD34 + cells per 10l processed, mobilization failure and adverse events were reviewed. Median age was 40.2±12.9 (21-68) years and 46.4±13.4 (17-67) years for donors and patients, respectively. The number of donors who had undergone adequate CD34 + cell harvesting and completed the procedure on the fourth day was 67 (32.8% of all patients). Only 12 patients required cell apheresis both on day 5 and 6. Apheresis was completed on day 4 and/or day 5 in 94.2% of all our donors. There was no significant association between CD34 + stem cell volume and age, gender and weight values of donors. Mobilization failure was not seen in our series. G-CSF is highly effective in 1/3 of the donors on the 4th day in order to collect enough number of stem cells. We propose that peripheral stem cell collection might start on day 4th of G-CSF treatment for avoiding G-CSF related side effects and complications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pinoresinol-4,4'-di-O-beta-D-glucoside from Valeriana officinalis root stimulates calcium mobilization and chemotactic migration of mouse embryo fibroblasts.

PubMed

Do, Kee Hun; Choi, Young Whan; Kim, Eun Kyoung; Yun, Sung Ji; Kim, Min Sung; Lee, Sun Young; Ha, Jung Min; Kim, Jae Ho; Kim, Chi Dae; Son, Beung Gu; Kang, Jum Soon; Khan, Ikhlas A; Bae, Sun Sik

2009-06-01

Lignans are major constituents of plant extracts and have important pharmacological effects on mammalian cells. Here we showed that pinoresinol-4,4'-di-O-beta-D-glucoside (PDG) from Valeriana officinalis induced calcium mobilization and cell migration through the activation of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor subtypes. Stimulation of mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) cells with 10 microM PDG resulted in strong stimulation of MEF cell migration and the EC(50) was about 2 microM. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin (PTX), an inhibitor of G(i) protein, completely blocked PDG-induced cell migration demonstrating that PDG evokes MEF cell migration through the activation of the G(i)-coupled receptor. Furthermore, pretreatment of MEF cells with Ki16425 (10 microM), which is a selective antagonist for LPA(1) and LPA(3) receptors, completely blocked PDG-induced cell migration. Likewise, PDG strongly induced calcium mobilization, which was also blocked by Ki16425 in a dose-dependent manner. Prior occupation of the LPA receptor with LPA itself completely blocked PDG-induced calcium mobilization. Finally, PDG-induced MEF cell migration was attenuated by pretreatment with a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor such as LY294002. Cells lacking downstream mediator of PI3K such as Akt1 and Akt2 (DKO cells) showed loss of PDG-induced migration. Re-expression of Akt1 (but not Akt2) completely restored PDG-induced DKO cell migration. Given these results, we conclude that PDG is a strong inducer of cell migration. We suggest that the pharmacological action of PDG may occur through the activation of an LPA receptor whereby activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway mediates PDG-induced MEF cell migration.

Design Of An Electrical Flywheel For Surge Power Applications In Mobile Robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, David D.

1987-01-01

An energy boost system based on a flywheel has been designed to supply the surge power needs of mobile robots for operating equipment like transmitters, drills, manipulator arms, mobility augmenters, and etc. This flywheel increases the average power available from a battery, fuel cell, generator, RPG or solar array by one or more orders of magnitude for short periods. Flywheels can be charged and discharged for thousands of battery lifetimes. Flywheels can deliver more than ten times the power per unit weight of batteries. The electromechanical details of a reliable, energy efficient and (relatively) low cost flywheel are described. This flywheel is the combination of a highly efficient brushless motor and a laminated steel rotor operating in an hermetically sealed container with only electrical input and output. This design approach overcomes the inefficiencies generally associated with mechanically geared devices. Electrical round trip efficiency is 94% under optimum operating conditions.

Design, Synthesis, and Chemical and Biological Properties of Cyclic ADP-4-Thioribose as a Stable Equivalent of Cyclic ADP-Ribose.

PubMed

Tsuzuki, Takayoshi; Takano, Satoshi; Sakaguchi, Natsumi; Kudoh, Takashi; Murayama, Takashi; Sakurai, Takashi; Hashii, Minako; Higashida, Haruhiro; Weber, Karin; Guse, Andreas H; Kameda, Tomoshi; Hirokawa, Takatsugu; Kumaki, Yasuhiro; Arisawa, Mitsuhiro; Potter, Barry V L; Shuto, Satoshi

2014-01-01

Here we describe the successful synthesis of cyclic ADP-4-thioribose (cADPtR, 3 ), designed as a stable mimic of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR, 1 ), a Ca 2+ -mobilizing second messenger, in which the key N1-β-thioribosyladenosine structure was stereoselectively constructed by condensation between the imidazole nucleoside derivative 8 and the 4-thioribosylamine 7 via equilibrium in 7 between the α-anomer ( 7α ) and the β-anomer ( 7β ) during the reaction course. cADPtR is, unlike cADPR, chemically and biologically stable, while it effectively mobilizes intracellular Ca 2+ like cADPR in various biological systems, such as sea urchin homogenate, NG108-15 neuronal cells, and Jurkat T-lymphocytes. Thus, cADPtR is a stable equivalent of cADPR, which can be useful as a biological tool for investigating cADPR-mediated Ca 2+ -mobilizing pathways.

Transport, manipulation, and reaction of biological cells on-chip using electrokinetic effects.

PubMed

Li, P C; Harrison, D J

1997-04-15

A microfluidic system was fabricated on a glass chip to study mobilization of biological cells on-chip. Electroosmotic and/or electrophoretic pumping were used to drive the cell transport within a network of capillary channels. Whole cells such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, canine erythrocyte, and Escherichia coli were employed in this work. Photographs are presented to illustrate how cells are selected and transported from one location to another within the capillary network, with velocities up to about 0.5 mm/s in capillaries with a 15- x 55-microns cross section. The mixing of canine erythrocytes with the lysing agent sodium dodecyl sulfate, at an intersection within the chip, was performed to demonstrate that cell selection and subsequent reaction can be accomplished within the microchip.

Relationship between intracellular pH and proton mobility in rat and guinea-pig ventricular myocytes.

PubMed

Swietach, Pawel; Vaughan-Jones, Richard D

2005-08-01

Intracellular H+ ion mobility in eukaryotic cells is low because of intracellular buffering. We have investigated whether Hi+ mobility varies with pHi. A dual microperfusion apparatus was used to expose guinea-pig or rat myocytes to small localized doses (3-5 mm) of ammonium chloride (applied in Hepes-buffered solution). Intracellular pH (pHi) was monitored confocally using the fluorescent dye, carboxy-SNARF-1. Local ammonium exposure produced a stable, longitudinal pHi gradient. Its size was fed into a look-up table (LUT) to give an estimate of the apparent intracellular proton diffusion coefficient (D(app)H). LUTs were generated using a diffusion-reaction model of Hi+ mobility based on intracellular buffer diffusion. To examine the pHi sensitivity of D(app)H, whole-cell pHi was initially displaced using a whole-cell ammonium or acetate prepulse, before locally applying the low dose of ammonium. In both rat and guinea-pig, D(app)H decreased with pHi over the range 7.5-6.5. In separate pipette-loading experiments, the intracellular diffusion coefficient for carboxy-SNARF-1 (a mobile-buffer analogue) exhibited no significant pHi dependence. The pHi sensitivity of D(app)H is thus likely to be governed by the mobile fraction of intrinsic buffering capacity. These results reinforce the buffer hypothesis of Hi+ mobility. The pHi dependence of D(app)H was used to characterize the mobile and fixed buffer components, and to estimate D(mob) (the average diffusion coefficient for intracellular mobile buffer). One consequence of a decline in Hi+ mobility at low pHi is that it will predispose the myocardium to pHi nonuniformity. The physiological relevance of this is discussed.

Evaluation of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization Rates with Early Plerixafor Administration for Adult Stem Cell Transplantation.

PubMed

Stover, Jessica T; Shaw, J Ryan; Kuchibhatla, Maragatha; Horwitz, Mitchell E; Engemann, Ashley M

2017-08-01

The addition of plerixafor to high-dose colony-stimulating growth factor has been shown to improve stem cell mobilization rates in autologous transplant patients with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This study evaluates the change in administration time of plerixafor to determine if cell mobilization rates are similar between the US Food and Drug Administration-approved administration time of 11 hours before apheresis and an earlier administration time of 16 hours before apheresis. Medical records of patients age ≥ 18 years undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation requiring the use of plerixafor after at least 4 days of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy to complete stem cell mobilization from January 1, 2010 through September 30, 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was CD34 + cell mobilization success rates when plerixafor was administered 11 ± 2 hours (standard administration group) compared with 16 ± 2 hours before cell apheresis (early administration group), as defined as collection of  ≥2 × 10 6 CD34 + cells/kg. Secondary outcomes included the number of plerixafor therapy days required to collect a total of ≥2 × 10 6 CD34 + cells/kg, the number of apheresis cycles required to achieve ≥2 × 10 6 CD34 + cells/kg, the median CD34 + cells/kg collected in each apheresis session, and the rates of reported adverse events that occurred in the standard administration time group compared with the early administration time group. Of the 197 patients included, 114 patients received plerixafor 11 ± 2 hours before apheresis and 83 patients received plerixafor 16 hours ± 2 hours before apheresis. Ninety-four percent of patients in the early administration group achieved successful stem cell mobilization compared with 81.6% in the standard administration group (P = .0111). The median number of plerixafor days to reach the collection goal of  ≥2 × 10 6 CD34 + cells/kg was 1 day for each group (P = .323), and the median number of apheresis days to reach the collection goal was 2 days for the standard administration group compared with 1 day for the early administration group (P = .0156). Most adverse events were similar between the 2 groups except for fever, which occurred in 4.8% of the patients in the early administration group and none of the patients in the standard administration group. This study demonstrates plerixafor effectively mobilizes peripheral blood stem cells when given at an early administration time of 16 hours before apheresis compared with standard administration of 11 hours before apheresis. However, further prospective studies could strengthen these results. Copyright © 2017 The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electrophoretic cell separation by means of microspheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smolka, A. J. K.; Nerren, B. H.; Margel, S.; Rembaum, A.

1979-01-01

The electrophoretic mobility of fixed human erythrocytes immunologically labeled with poly(vinylpyridine) or poly(glutaraldehyde) microspheres was reduced by approximately 40%. This observation was utilized in preparative scale electrophoretic separations of fixed human and turkey erythrocytes, the mobilities of which under normal physiological conditions do not differ sufficiently to allow their separation by continuous flow electrophoresis. We suggest that resolution in the electrophoretic separation of cell subpopulations, currently limited by finite and often overlapping mobility distributions, may be significantly enhanced by immunospecific labeling of target populations using microspheres.

Analysis of stem cell apheresis products using intermediate-dose filgrastim plus large volume apheresis for allogeneic transplantation.

PubMed

Engelhardt, M; Bertz, H; Wäsch, R; Finke, J

2001-04-01

Previously, a dose-dependent influence of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) on CD34+ mobilization was demonstrated. In this single-center prospective analysis, 52 healthy donors were investigated to determine the efficacy of intermediate-dose rhG-CSF 2x8 microg/kg donor body weight (bw) and intermediate large volume apheresis (LVA, median 12 l) to mobilize peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) for allogeneic transplantation. The median number of CD34+ cells in apheresis products was 0.45% and 2.2x10(6)/kg recipient bw per single apheresis. A total of 5.4x10(6)/kg CD34+ cells were collected with two (range: one to three) LVA. In the analysis of donor subgroups, higher peripheral blood (PB) and apheresis results were obtained in male vs female donors; however, donor weight significantly differed in both groups. Heavier donors displayed higher PB and apheresis CD34+ counts; however, when CD34+ cells/kg were adjusted to a constant bw, similar harvest results were calculated in males and females, demonstrating that gender per se does not, whereas bw does affect apheresis results. Younger donors had significantly higher PB CD34+ counts, higher CD34+ numbers per single apheresis, increased CFU, more T, B, and CD61+, comparable NK, and less CD14+ cells. A correlation analysis of donor age and apheresis results displayed an age-related decline of 0.46x10(6)/kg CD34 cells per decade of donor aging. Cell subsets in apheresis products were CD14 (49%), CD3 (22%), CD4 (13%), CD8 (7%), CD61 (20%), CD19 (5%), and CD16/56+ (3%) cells, with increasing CD14+ cells and decreasing CD3, CD4, CD8, CD61, CD19, and CD16/56+ cells on subsequent days of apheresis. Compared to our previous analysis using high- (2x12 microg) and low-dose (1x10 microg) rhG-CSF for allogeneic PBPC mobilization, the intermediate-dose showed a similar CD34+ mobilization potential to 1x10 microg rhG-CSF; however, with use of LVA, two instead of three (p<0.05) aphereses were sufficient to mobilize > or =4x10(6)/kg bw CD34+ cells in most donors. Taken together, our results demonstrate that intermediate-dose rhG-CSF sufficiently mobilizes > or =4x10(6)/kg x bw CD34+ cells with use of LVA and that especially younger donors display increased CD34+ cell numbers.

[A case of the fatal injury by technical electricity from a mobile device (cell phone) connected to the circuit].

PubMed

Rudenko, I A; Kil'dyushov, E M; Koludarova, E M; Morozov, V Yu; Fetisov, V A

2015-01-01

The authors report a case of the fatal injury by technical electricity from a mobile device (cell phone) attached to the circuit in a moist environment as a result of the unsafe handling of the gadget (when taking the bath).

Power system requirements and definition for lunar and Mars outposts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petri, D. A.; Cataldo, R. L.; Bozek, J. M.

1990-01-01

Candidate power systems being considered for outpost facilities (stationary power systems) and vehicles (mobile systems) are discussed, including solar, chemical, isotopic, and reactor. The current power strategy was an initial outpost power system composed of photovoltaic arrays for daytime energy needs and regenerative fuel cells for power during the long lunar night. As day and night power demands grow, the outpost transitions to nuclear-based power generation, using thermoelectric conversion initially and evolving to a dynamic conversion system. With this concept as a guideline, a set of requirements has been established, and a reference definition of candidate power systems meeting these requirements has been identified.

STRESS-INDUCED REDISTRIBUTION OF IMMUNE CELLS - FROM BARRACKS TO BOULEVARDS TO BATTLEFIELDS: A TALE OF THREE HORMONES - CURT RICHTER AWARD WINNER

PubMed Central

Dhabhar, Firdaus S.; Malarkey, William B.; Neri, Eric; McEwen, Bruce S.

2012-01-01

Background The surveillance and effector functions of the immune system are critically dependent on the appropriate distribution of immune cells in the body. An acute or short-term stress response induces a rapid and significant redistribution of immune cells among different body compartments. Stress-induced leukocyte redistribution may be a fundamental survival response that directs leukocyte subpopulations to specific target organs during stress, and significantly enhances the speed, efficacy and regulation of an immune response. Immune responses are generally enhanced in compartments (e.g., skin) that are enriched with leukocytes, and suppressed in compartments that are depleted of leukocytes during/following stress. The experiments described here were designed to elucidate the: 1) Time-course, trajectory, and subpopulation-specificity of stress-induced mobilization and trafficking of blood leukocytes. 2) Individual and combined actions of the principal stress hormones, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI), and corticosterone (CORT), in mediating mobilization or trafficking of specific leukocyte subpopulations. 3) Effects of stress/stress hormones on adhesion molecule, L-selectin (CD62L), expression by each subpopulation to assess its adhesion / functional / maturation status. Methods Male Sprague Dawley rats were stressed (short-term restraint, 2–120 min), or adrenalectomized and injected with vehicle (VEH), NE, EPI, CORT, or their combinations, and blood was collected for measurement of hormones and flow cytometric quantification of leukocyte subpopulations. Results Acute stress induced an early increase/mobilization of neutrophils, lymphocytes, helper T cells (Th), cytolytic T cells (CTL), and B cells into the blood, followed by a decrease/trafficking of all cell types out of the blood, except neutrophil numbers that continued to increase. CD62L expression was increased on neutrophils, decreased on Th, CTL, and natural killer (NK) cells, and showed a biphasic decrease on monocytes & B cells, suggesting that CD62L is involved in mediating the redistribution effects of stress. Additionally, we observed significant differences in the direction, magnitude, and subpopulation specificity of the effects of each hormone: NE increased leukocyte numbers, most notably CD62L−/+ neutrophils and CD62L− B cells. EPI increased monocyte and neutrophil numbers, most notably CD62L−/+ neutrophils and CD62L− monocytes, but decreased lymphocyte numbers with CD62L−/+ CTL and CD62L+ B cells being especially sensitive. CORT decreased monocyte, lymphocyte, Th, CTL, and B cell numbers with CD62L− and CD62L+ cells being equally affected. Thus, naïve (CD62L+) vs. memory (CD62L−) T cells, classical (CD62L+) vs. non-classical (CD62L−) monocytes, and similarly distinct functional subsets of other leukocyte populations are differentially mobilized into the blood and trafficked to tissues by stress hormones. Conclusion Stress hormones orchestrate a large-scale redistribution of immune cells in the body. NE and EPI mobilize immune cells into the bloodstream, and EPI and CORT induce traffic out of the blood possibly to tissue surveillance pathways, lymphoid tissues, and sites of ongoing or de novo immune activation. Immune cell subpopulations appear to show differential sensitivities and redistribution responses to each hormone depending on the type of leukocyte (neutrophil, monocyte or lymphocyte) and its maturation/functional characteristics (e.g., resident or inflammatory monocyte, naïve or central/effector memory T cell). Thus, stress hormones could be administered simultaneously or sequentially to induce specific leukocyte subpopulations to be mobilized into the blood, or to traffic from blood to tissues. Stress hormone-mediated changes in immune cell distribution could be clinically harnessed to: 1) Direct leukocytes to sites of vaccination, wound healing, infection, or cancer and thereby enhance protective immunity. 2) Reduce leukocyte traffic to sites of inflammatory/autoimmune reactions. 3) Sequester immune cells in relatively protected compartments to minimize exposure to cytotoxic treatments like radiation or localized chemotherapy. 4) Measure biological resistance/sensitivity to stress hormones in vivo. In keeping with the guidelines for Richter Award manuscripts, in addition to original data we also present a model and synthesis of findings in the context of the literature on the effects of short-term stress on immune cell distribution and function. PMID:22727761

Effects of starvation on the transport of Escherichia coli K12 in saturated porous media are dependent on pH and ionic strength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, S.; Walczak, J. J.; Wang, L.; Bardy, S. L.; Li, J.

2010-12-01

In this research, we investigate the effects of starvation on the transport of E. coli K12 in saturated porous media. Particularly, we examine the relationship between such effects and the pH and ionic strength of the electrolyte solutions that were used to suspend bacterial cells. E. coli K12 (ATCC 10798) cells were cultured using either Luria-Bertani Miller (LB-Miller) broth (10 g trypton, 5 g yeast extract and 10 g NaCl in 1 L of deionized water) or LB-Luria broth (10 g tryptone, 5 g yeast extract and 0.5 g NaCl in 1 L of deionized water). Both broths had similar pH (~7.1) but differed in ionic strength (LB-Miller: ~170 mM, LB-Luria: ~ 8 mM). The bacterial cells were then harvested and suspended using one of the following electrolyte solutions: phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (pH ~7.2; ionic strength ~170 mM), 168 mM NaCl (pH ~5.7), 5% of PBS (pH ~ 7.2; ionic strength ~ 8 mM) and 8 mM NaCl (pH ~ 5.7). Column transport experiments were performed at 0, 21 and 48 hours following cell harvesting to evaluate the change in cell mobility over time under “starvation” conditions. Our results showed that 1) starvation increased the mobility of E. coli K12 cells; 2) the most significant change in mobility occurred when bacterial cells were suspended in an electrolyte solution that had different pH and ionic strength (i.e., LB-Miller culture suspended in 8 mM NaCl and LB-Luria culture suspended in 168 mM Nacl); and 3) the change in cell mobility primarily occurred within the first 21 hours. The size of the bacterial cells was measured and the surface properties (e.g., zeta potential, hydrophobicity, cell-bound protein, LPS sugar content, outer membrane protein profiles) of the bacterial cells were characterized. We found that the measured cell surface properties could not fully explain the observed changes in cell mobility caused by starvation.

NASA/ASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, 1990, Volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bannerot, Richard B. (Editor); Goldstein, Stanley H. (Editor)

1990-01-01

The 1990 Johnson Space Center (JSC) NASA/American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Summer Faculty Fellowship Program was conducted by the University of Houston-University Park and JSC. A compilation of the final reports on the research projects are presented. The topics covered include: the Space Station; the Space Shuttle; exobiology; cell biology; culture techniques; control systems design; laser induced fluorescence; spacecraft reliability analysis; reduced gravity; biotechnology; microgravity applications; regenerative life support systems; imaging techniques; cardiovascular system; physiological effects; extravehicular mobility units; mathematical models; bioreactors; computerized simulation; microgravity simulation; and dynamic structural analysis.

Ageing in the musculoskeletal system.

PubMed

Roberts, Sally; Colombier, Pauline; Sowman, Aneka; Mennan, Claire; Rölfing, Jan H D; Guicheux, Jérôme; Edwards, James R

2016-12-01

The extent of ageing in the musculoskeletal system during the life course affects the quality and length of life. Loss of bone, degraded articular cartilage, and degenerate, narrowed intervertebral discs are primary features of an ageing skeleton, and together they contribute to pain and loss of mobility. This review covers the cellular constituents that make up some key components of the musculoskeletal system and summarizes discussion from the 2015 Aarhus Regenerative Orthopaedic Symposium (AROS) (Regeneration in the Ageing Population) about how each particular cell type alters within the ageing skeletal microenvironment.

Ageing in the musculoskeletal system

PubMed Central

Roberts, Sally; Colombier, Pauline; Sowman, Aneka; Mennan, Claire; Rölfing, Jan H D; Guicheux, Jérôme; Edwards, James R

2016-01-01

The extent of ageing in the musculoskeletal system during the life course affects the quality and length of life. Loss of bone, degraded articular cartilage, and degenerate, narrowed intervertebral discs are primary features of an ageing skeleton, and together they contribute to pain and loss of mobility. This review covers the cellular constituents that make up some key components of the musculoskeletal system and summarizes discussion from the 2015 Aarhus Regenerative Orthopaedic Symposium (AROS) (Regeneration in the Ageing Population) about how each particular cell type alters within the ageing skeletal microenvironment. PMID:27748151

High-versus standard-dose filgrastim (rhG-CSF) for mobilization of peripheral-blood progenitor cells from allogeneic donors and CD34(+) immunoselection.

PubMed

Engelhardt, M; Bertz, H; Afting, M; Waller, C F; Finke, J

1999-07-01

The efficacy of a high- versus a standard-dose filgrastim (recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, or rhG-CSF) regimen to mobilize peripheral-blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) for allogeneic transplantation was investigated in 75 healthy donors. From December 1994 to December 1997, 75 consecutive donors (median age, 38 years; range, 17 to 67 years) were assigned to two different schedules of rhG-CSF for PBPC mobilization. Fifty donors received 24 microg rhG-CSF/kg body weight (BW) divided into two daily subcutaneous injections (two doses of 12 microg, group A), whereas 25 were treated with 10 microg rhG-CSF once daily (group B). Apheresis was started on day 4 in group A and on day 5 in group B. Target CD34(+) cell numbers in apheresis products were >/= 4 x 10(6)/kg recipient BW. Cytokine priming and collection of PBPCs were equally well tolerated in both groups. Significantly higher CD34(+) cell numbers in group A with 3. 7 x 10(6)/kg recipient BW/apheresis (0.47 x 10(6)/L apheresis) compared with 2 x 10(6)/kg recipient BW/apheresis (0.25 x 10(6)/L apharesis) in group B were obtained (P <.05). Using standard aphereses (median, 9 L), two doses of 12 microg rhG-CSF/kg allowed collection of >/= 4 x 10(6)/kg CD34(+) cells with two aphereses (range, one to three) in group A versus three aphereses (range, one to six) in group B (P <.015). Donor age, sex, and BW influenced the collection of CD34(+) cell numbers: in particular, significantly higher apheresis results were obtained in donors younger than 40 years compared with donors older than 40 years of age (P <.05). In 65 CD34(+) selection procedures using avidin-biotin immunoabsorption columns (Ceprate SC System, CellPro, Bothell, WA), a median CD34(+) purity of 53%, CD34(+) recovery of 40%, and the collection of 2 x 10(6)/kg CD34(+) cells/selection were achieved. In group A with higher CD34(+) cells/kg/apheresis, CD34(+) purity, recovery, and cell yields were 60%, 45%, and 2.3 x 10(6)/kg/selection, respectively, as compared with 48%, 31%, and 0.7 x 10(6)/kg in group B (P <.05). Our results demonstrate that twice daily rhG-CSF (two doses of 12 microg/kg BM) compared with once daily rhG-CSF (10 microg/kg BW), in addition to being well tolerated, significantly improves PBPC mobilization, allows the collection of higher numbers of CD34(+) cells with one or two standard aphereses, and facilitates subsequent selection procedures in healthy allogeneic donors.

Characterization of L1 ORF1p self-interaction and cellular localization using a mammalian two-hybrid system.

PubMed

Sokolowski, Mark; deHaro, Dawn; Christian, Claiborne M; Kines, Kristine J; Belancio, Victoria P

2013-01-01

Long INterspersed Element-1 (LINE-1, L1) is an active retrotransposon that mobilizes using a ribonucleoprotein particle (RNP) intermediate composed of the full-length bicistronic L1 mRNA and the two proteins (ORF1p and ORF2p) encoded by that mRNA. ORF1p and ORF2p demonstrate cis-preference for their encoding mRNA. Previous studies of ORF1p, purified from bacterial and insect cells demonstrated that this protein forms trimers in vitro. While valuable for understanding ORF1p function, these in vitro approaches do not provide any information on ORF1p self-interaction in the context of mammalian cells. We used a mammalian two-hybrid (M2H) system in order to study L1 ORF1p self-interaction in human and mouse cells. We demonstrate that the M2H system successfully detects human and mouse ORF1p self-interactions in transiently transfected mammalian cells. We also generated mouse and human ORF1p-specific antibodies to characterize the expression of ORF1p fusion proteins used in the M2H system. Using these antibodies, we demonstrate that ORF1p interaction in trans leads to the formation of heterodimers that are expected to produce a positive signal in the M2H system. Although the role for L1 ORF1p cis-preference in L1 mobilization is established, the impact of ability of ORF1pto interact in trans on the L1 replication cycle is not known. Furthermore, western blot analysis of ORF1p generated by a full-length L1, wild type ORF1, or a codon-optimized ORF1 expression vector is detected in the nucleus. In contrast, the addition of a tag to the N-terminus of the mouse and human ORF1 proteins can significantly alter the subcellular localization in a tag-specific manner. These data support that nuclear localization of ORF1p may contribute to L1 (and potentially the SINE Alu) RNP nuclear access in the host cell.

High-Efficiency Nonfullerene Polymer Solar Cell Enabling by Integration of Film-Morphology Optimization, Donor Selection, and Interfacial Engineering.

PubMed

Zhang, Xin; Li, Weiping; Yao, Jiannian; Zhan, Chuanlang

2016-06-22

Carrier mobility is a vital factor determining the electrical performance of organic solar cells. In this paper we report that a high-efficiency nonfullerene organic solar cell (NF-OSC) with a power conversion efficiency of 6.94 ± 0.27% was obtained by optimizing the hole and electron transportations via following judicious selection of polymer donor and engineering of film-morphology and cathode interlayers: (1) a combination of solvent annealing and solvent vapor annealing optimizes the film morphology and hence both hole and electron mobilities, leading to a trade-off of fill factor and short-circuit current density (Jsc); (2) the judicious selection of polymer donor affords a higher hole and electron mobility, giving a higher Jsc; and (3) engineering the cathode interlayer affords a higher electron mobility, which leads to a significant increase in electrical current generation and ultimately the power conversion efficiency (PCE).

Ultrasensitive investigations of biological systems by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Haustein, Elke; Schwille, Petra

2003-02-01

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) extracts information about molecular dynamics from the tiny fluctuations that can be observed in the emission of small ensembles of fluorescent molecules in thermodynamic equilibrium. Employing a confocal setup in conjunction with highly dilute samples, the average number of fluorescent particles simultaneously within the measurement volume (approximately 1 fl) is minimized. Among the multitude of chemical and physical parameters accessible by FCS are local concentrations, mobility coefficients, rate constants for association and dissociation processes, and even enzyme kinetics. As any reaction causing an alteration of the primary measurement parameters such as fluorescence brightness or mobility can be monitored, the application of this noninvasive method to unravel processes in living cells is straightforward. Due to the high spatial resolution of less than 0.5 microm, selective measurements in cellular compartments, e.g., to probe receptor-ligand interactions on cell membranes, are feasible. Moreover, the observation of local molecular dynamics provides access to environmental parameters such as local oxygen concentrations, pH, or viscosity. Thus, this versatile technique is of particular attractiveness for researchers striving for quantitative assessment of interactions and dynamics of small molecular quantities in biologically relevant systems.

Beta cells transfer vesicles containing insulin to phagocytes for presentation to T cells.

PubMed

Vomund, Anthony N; Zinselmeyer, Bernd H; Hughes, Jing; Calderon, Boris; Valderrama, Carolina; Ferris, Stephen T; Wan, Xiaoxiao; Kanekura, Kohsuke; Carrero, Javier A; Urano, Fumihiko; Unanue, Emil R

2015-10-06

Beta cells from nondiabetic mice transfer secretory vesicles to phagocytic cells. The passage was shown in culture studies where the transfer was probed with CD4 T cells reactive to insulin peptides. Two sets of vesicles were transferred, one containing insulin and another containing catabolites of insulin. The passage required live beta cells in a close cell contact interaction with the phagocytes. It was increased by high glucose concentration and required mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. Live images of beta cell-phagocyte interactions documented the intimacy of the membrane contact and the passage of the granules. The passage was found in beta cells isolated from islets of young nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and nondiabetic mice as well as from nondiabetic humans. Ultrastructural analysis showed intraislet phagocytes containing vesicles having the distinct morphology of dense-core granules. These findings document a process whereby the contents of secretory granules become available to the immune system.

Mobile phone radiation induces mode-dependent DNA damage in a mouse spermatocyte-derived cell line: a protective role of melatonin.

PubMed

Liu, Chuan; Gao, Peng; Xu, Shang-Cheng; Wang, Yuan; Chen, Chun-Hai; He, Min-Di; Yu, Zheng-Ping; Zhang, Lei; Zhou, Zhou

2013-11-01

To evaluate whether exposure to mobile phone radiation (MPR) can induce DNA damage in male germ cells. A mouse spermatocyte-derived GC-2 cell line was exposed to a commercial mobile phone handset once every 20 min in standby, listen, dialed or dialing modes for 24 h. DNA damage was determined using an alkaline comet assay. The levels of DNA damage were significantly increased following exposure to MPR in the listen, dialed and dialing modes. Moreover, there were significantly higher increases in the dialed and dialing modes than in the listen mode. Interestingly, these results were consistent with the radiation intensities of these modes. However, the DNA damage effects of MPR in the dialing mode were efficiently attenuated by melatonin pretreatment. These results regarding mode-dependent DNA damage have important implications for the safety of inappropriate mobile phone use by males of reproductive age and also suggest a simple preventive measure: Keeping mobile phones as far away from our body as possible, not only during conversations but during 'dialed' and 'dialing' operation modes. Since the 'dialed' mode is actually part of the standby mode, mobile phones should be kept at a safe distance from our body even during standby operation. Furthermore, the protective role of melatonin suggests that it may be a promising pharmacological candidate for preventing mobile phone use-related reproductive impairments.

Proceedings of the Fourth International Mobile Satellite Conference (IMSC 1995)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rigley, Jack R. (Compiler); Estabrook, Polly (Compiler); Reekie, D. Hugh M. (Editor)

1995-01-01

The theme to the 1995 International Mobile Satellite Conference was 'Mobile Satcom Comes of Age'. The sessions included Modulation, Coding, and Multiple Access; Hybrid Networks - 1; Spacecraft Technology; propagation; Applications and Experiments - 1; Advanced System Concepts and Analysis; Aeronautical Mobile Satellite Communications; Mobile Terminal Antennas; Mobile Terminal Technology; Current and Planned Systems; Direct Broadcast Satellite; The Use of CDMA for LEO and ICO Mobile Satellite Systems; Hybrid Networks - 2; and Applications and Experiments - 2.

Effect of lateral mobility of fluorescent probes in lipid mixing assays of cell fusion.

PubMed

Huang, S K; Cheng, M; Hui, S W

1990-11-01

Monolayers of human erythrocytes, immobilized on a cover slip, were induced to fuse by polyethylene glycol (mol wt 8,000). The mobility of fluorescent probes, 1-oleoyl-2-[12-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadizol-4-yl)amino]dodecanoyl] phosphatidyl-choline (C12-NBD-PC), from labeled cells to unlabeled cells was monitored by video-enhanced fluorescence microscopy. A dequenching curve was obtained from the measurement of fluorescence intensities of pairs of fused cells over time. The dequenching curve and the curve obtained from macroscopic measurements of a cell monolayer (described in the preceding article) were compared and discussed. The slow probe transfer rate between a pair of fused cells was explained by a diffusion model based on membrane area conservation and the geometry of the fusion lumen. An equivalent lumen between two fused cells, thought to be the main rate limitation of probe mobility after fusion, was calculated to be approximately 130 nm in diameter. Lumens of 75 nm in diameter were observed by electron microscopy. Thus, the rate of macroscopic fluorescence dequenching depends not only upon the fusion efficiency, but also upon the number of simultaneous fusion partners, the geometry of their contact points, and the lateral mobility of the fluorescent probes through these points. The relative fusion efficiency can be derived only from the saturation dequenching values.

RanGTPase regulates the interaction between the inner nuclear membrane proteins, Samp1 and Emerin.

PubMed

Vijayaraghavan, Balaje; Figueroa, Ricardo A; Bergqvist, Cecilia; Gupta, Amit J; Sousa, Paulo; Hallberg, Einar

2018-06-01

Samp1, spindle associated membrane protein 1, is a type II integral membrane protein localized in the inner nuclear membrane. Recent studies have shown that the inner nuclear membrane protein, Emerin and the small monomeric GTPase, Ran are direct binding partners of Samp1. Here we addressed the question whether Ran could regulate the interaction between Samp1 and Emerin in the inner nuclear membrane. To investigate the interaction between Samp1 and Emerin in live cells, we performed FRAP experiments in cells overexpressing YFP-Emerin. We compared the mobility of YFP-Emerin in Samp1 knock out cells and cells overexpressing Samp1. The results showed that the mobility of YFP-Emerin was higher in Samp1 knock out cells and lower in cells overexpressing Samp1, suggesting that Samp1 significantly attenuates the mobility of Emerin in the nuclear envelope. FRAP experiments using tsBN2 cells showed that the mobility of Emerin depends on RanGTP. Consistently, in vitro binding experiments showed that the affinity between Samp1 and Emerin is decreased in the presence of Ran, suggesting that Ran attenuates the interaction between Samp1 and Emerin. This is the first demonstration that Ran can regulate the interaction between two proteins in the nuclear envelope. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ad-Hoc Networks and the Mobile Application Security System (MASS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

solution to this problem that addresses critical aspects of security in ad-hoc mobile application networks. This approach involves preventing unauthorized...modification of a mobile application , both by other applications and by hosts, and ensuring that mobile code is authentic and authorized. These...capabilities constitute the Mobile Application Security System (MASS). The MASS applies effective, robust security to mobile application -based systems

Mobile phone radiation alters proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells.

PubMed

Ozgur, Elcin; Guler, Goknur; Kismali, Gorkem; Seyhan, Nesrin

2014-11-01

This study investigated the effects of intermittent exposure (15 min on, 15 min off for 1, 2, 3, or 4 h, at a specific absorption rate of 2 W/kg) to enhanced data rates for global system for mobile communication evolution-modulated radiofrequency radiation (RFR) at 900- and 1,800-MHz frequencies on the viability of the Hepatocarcinoma cells (Hep G2). Hep G2 cell proliferation was measured by a colorimetric assay based on the cleavage of the tetrazolium salt WST-1 by mitochondrial dehydrogenases in viable cells. Cell injury was evaluated by analyzing the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glucose released from lysed cells into the culture medium. Morphological observation of the nuclei was carried out by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining using fluorescence microscopy. In addition, TUNEL assay was performed to confirm apoptotic cell death. It was observed that cell viability, correlated with the LDH and glucose levels, changed according to the frequency and duration of RFR exposure. Four-hour exposure produced more pronounced effects than the other exposure durations. 1,800-MHz RFR had a larger impact on cell viability and Hep G2 injury than the RFR at 900 MHz. Morphological observations also supported the biochemical results indicating that most of the cells showed irregular nuclei pattern determined by using the DAPI staining, as well as TUNEL assay which shows DNA damage especially in the cells after 4 h of exposure to 1,800-MHz RFR. Our results indicate that the applications of 900- and 1,800-MHz (2 W/kg) RFR cause to decrease in the proliferation of the Hep G2 cells after 4 h of exposure. Further studies will be conducted on other frequency bands of RFR and longer duration of exposure.

Oxygen depletion speeds and simplifies diffusion in HeLa cells.

PubMed

Edwald, Elin; Stone, Matthew B; Gray, Erin M; Wu, Jing; Veatch, Sarah L

2014-10-21

Many cell types undergo a hypoxic response in the presence of low oxygen, which can lead to transcriptional, metabolic, and structural changes within the cell. Many biophysical studies to probe the localization and dynamics of single fluorescently labeled molecules in live cells either require or benefit from low-oxygen conditions. In this study, we examine how low-oxygen conditions alter the mobility of a series of plasma membrane proteins with a range of anchoring motifs in HeLa cells at 37°C. Under high-oxygen conditions, diffusion of all proteins is heterogeneous and confined. When oxygen is reduced with an enzymatic oxygen-scavenging system for ≥ 15 min, diffusion rates increase by > 2-fold, motion becomes unconfined on the timescales and distance scales investigated, and distributions of diffusion coefficients are remarkably consistent with those expected from Brownian motion. More subtle changes in protein mobility are observed in several other laboratory cell lines examined under both high- and low-oxygen conditions. Morphological changes and actin remodeling are observed in HeLa cells placed in a low-oxygen environment for 30 min, but changes are less apparent in the other cell types investigated. This suggests that changes in actin structure are responsible for increased diffusion in hypoxic HeLa cells, although superresolution localization measurements in chemically fixed cells indicate that membrane proteins do not colocalize with F-actin under either experimental condition. These studies emphasize the importance of controls in single-molecule imaging measurements, and indicate that acute response to low oxygen in HeLa cells leads to dramatic changes in plasma membrane structure. It is possible that these changes are either a cause or consequence of phenotypic changes in solid tumor cells associated with increased drug resistance and malignancy.

Calreticulin localizes to plant intra/extracellular peripheries of highly specialized cells involved in pollen-pistil interactions.

PubMed

Wasąg, Piotr; Suwińska, Anna; Zakrzewski, Przemysław; Walczewski, Jakub; Lenartowski, Robert; Lenartowska, Marta

2018-01-01

Calcium (Ca 2+ ) plays essential roles in generative reproduction of angiosperms, but the sites and mechanisms of Ca 2+ storage and mobilization during pollen-pistil interactions have not been fully defined. Both external and internal Ca 2+ stores are likely important during male gametophyte communication with the sporophytic and gametophytic cells within the pistil. Given that calreticulin (CRT), a Ca 2+ -buffering protein, is able to bind Ca 2+ reversibly, it can serve as a mobile store of easily releasable Ca 2+ (so called an exchangeable Ca 2+ ) in eukaryotic cells. CRT has typical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting and retention signals and resides primarily in the ER. However, localization of this protein outside the ER has also been revealed in both animal and plant cells, including Golgi/dictyosomes, nucleus, plasma membrane/cell surface, plasmodesmata, and even extracellular matrix. These findings indicate that CRT may function in a variety of different cell compartments and specialized structures. We have recently shown that CRT is highly expressed and accumulated in the ER of plant cells involved in pollen-pistil interactions in Petunia, and we proposed an essential role for CRT in intracellular Ca 2+ storage and mobilization during the key reproductive events. Here, we demonstrate that both CRT and exchangeable Ca 2+ are localized in the intra/extracellular peripheries of highly specialized plant cells, such as the pistil transmitting tract cells, pollen tubes, nucellus cells surrounding the embryo sac, and synergids. Based on our present results, we propose that extracellularly located CRT is also involved in Ca 2+ storage and mobilization during sexual reproduction of angiosperms.

Neuroendocrine factors affecting the glycogen metabolism of purified Mytilus edulis glycogen cells: partial characterization of the putative glycogen mobilization hormone--demonstration of a factor that stimulates glycogen synthesis.

PubMed

Robbins, I; Lenoir, F; Mathieu, M

1991-04-01

A putative glycogen mobilizing hormone (GMH) from the marine mussel Mytilus edulis L. has been partially characterized. GMH activity is present in the cerebral ganglia and the hemolymph serum and promotes the mobilization of glycogen in isolated glycogen cells. The cerebral GMH is trypsin sensitive and partially heat labile and has an apparent molecular mass of greater than 20 kDa. Following fractionation of cerebral extracts by molecular mass, a second factor, with a molecular mass of ca. 1.5 kDa, was discovered. This factor stimulates post-incubation incorporation of 14C into glycogen in isolated glycogen cells.

Stress analysis for wall structure in mobile hot cell design

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bahrin, Muhammad Hannan, E-mail: hannan@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my; Rahman, Anwar Abdul, E-mail: anwar@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my; Hamzah, Mohd Arif, E-mail: arif@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my

Malaysian Nuclear Agency is developing a Mobile Hot Cell (MHC) in order to handle and manage Spent High Activity Radioactive Sources (SHARS) such as teletherapy heads and irradiators. At present, there are only two units of MHC in the world, in South Africa and China. Malaysian Mobile Hot cell is developed by Malaysian Nuclear Agency with the assistance of IAEA expert, based on the design of South Africa and China, but with improved features. Stress analysis has been performed on the design in order to fulfil the safety requirement in operation of MHC. This paper discusses the loading analysis effectmore » from the sand to the MHC wall structure.« less

Adolescents’ perceptions of a mobile cell phone text messaging-enhanced intervention and development of a mobile cell phone-based HIV prevention intervention

PubMed Central

Cornelius, Judith B.; St. Lawrence, Janet S.; Howard, Jacquelyn C.; Shah, Deval; Poka, Avinash; McDonald, Delilah; White, Ann C.

2013-01-01

Purpose This study examined African American adolescents’ perceptions of a mobile cell phone (MCP)-enhanced intervention and development of an MCP-based HIV prevention intervention. Design and Methods One focus group was conducted with 11 adolescents who participated in the Becoming a Responsible Teen Text Messaging project. Results Adolescents said they benefited from the MCP-enhanced approach and were receptive to the idea of developing an MCP-based intervention. Practice Implications Nurses can use the findings of this report as a starting point in examining the development of MCP-based sexuality education with parents and adolescents. PMID:22188273

The physicist’s guide to one of biotechnology’s hottest new topics: CRISPR-Cas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonomo, Melia E.; Deem, Michael W.

2018-07-01

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) constitute a multi-functional, constantly evolving immune system in bacteria and archaea cells. A heritable, molecular memory is generated of phage, plasmids, or other mobile genetic elements that attempt to attack the cell. This memory is used to recognize and interfere with subsequent invasions from the same genetic elements. This versatile prokaryotic tool has also been used to advance applications in biotechnology. Here we review a large body of CRISPR-Cas research to explore themes of evolution and selection, population dynamics, horizontal gene transfer, specific and cross-reactive interactions, cost and regulation, non-immunological CRISPR functions that boost host cell robustness, as well as applicable mechanisms for efficient and specific genetic engineering. We offer future directions that can be addressed by the physics community. Physical understanding of the CRISPR-Cas system will advance uses in biotechnology, such as developing cell lines and animal models, cell labeling and information storage, combatting antibiotic resistance, and human therapeutics.

The physicist's guide to one of biotechnology's hottest new topics: CRISPR-Cas.

PubMed

Bonomo, Melia E; Deem, Michael W

2018-04-30

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) constitute a multi-functional, constantly evolving immune system in bacteria and archaea cells. A heritable, molecular memory is generated of phage, plasmids, or other mobile genetic elements that attempt to attack the cell. This memory is used to recognize and interfere with subsequent invasions from the same genetic elements. This versatile prokaryotic tool has also been used to advance applications in biotechnology. Here we review a large body of CRISPR-Cas research to explore themes of evolution and selection, population dynamics, horizontal gene transfer, specific and cross-reactive interactions, cost and regulation, non-immunological CRISPR functions that boost host cell robustness, as well as applicable mechanisms for efficient and specific genetic engineering. We offer future directions that can be addressed by the physics community. Physical understanding of the CRISPR-Cas system will advance uses in biotechnology, such as developing cell lines and animal models, cell labeling and information storage, combatting antibiotic resistance, and human therapeutics.

System Construction of the Stilbene Compact Neutron Scatter Camera

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goldsmith, John E. M.; Gerling, Mark D.; Brennan, James S.

This report documents the construction of a stilbene-crystal-based compact neutron scatter camera. This system is essentially identical to the MINER (Mobile Imager of Neutrons for Emergency Responders) system previously built and deployed under DNN R&D funding,1 but with the liquid scintillator in the detection cells replaced by stilbene crystals. The availability of these two systems for side-by-side performance comparisons will enable us to unambiguously identify the performance enhancements provided by the stilbene crystals, which have only recently become commercially available in the large size required (3” diameter, 3” deep).

Effective chemomobilization with etoposide and cytarabine (EC regimen) in lymphoma patients: a single-center, retrospective, observational study.

PubMed

Koyama, Daisuke; Nishiwaki, Satoshi; Harada, Yasuhiko; Yamamoto, Satomi; Kurahashi, Shingo; Sugimoto, Takumi; Iwasaki, Toshihiro; Sugiura, Isamu

2017-09-01

Autologous stem cell transplantation is an important strategy for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma. Although various regimens for peripheral blood stem cell collection have been used, the optimal regimen has not yet been established. We aimed to evaluate the mobilization efficacy and safety of the regimen consisted of etoposide and cytarabine (EC regimen). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 46 lymphoma patients who received peripheral blood stem cell mobilization with the EC regimen [etoposide (100 mg/m2/day, days 1-4) and cytarabine (100 mg/m2/day, days 1-4)] at Toyohashi municipal hospital from 2004 to 2013. The median age of the patients was 55 years. The most common underlying diseases were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (46%) and follicular lymphoma (26%). Three-quarters of patients were in their second complete or partial remission. The median total number of collected CD34+ cells was 10.6 × 106 kg-1. Forty-two patients (91%) yielded at least 2 × 106 kg-1 CD34+ cells within a median of 2 apheresis days, and 33 patients (72%) achieved it with only one apheresis. Successful mobilization was observed in five of six patients who failed to mobilize previously. Although febrile neutropenia occurred in 22 patients (48%), no fatal infection was observed. The EC regimen was highly effective in lymphoma patients, including patients who mobilized poorly with other regimens. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Non-thermal activation of the hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway by mobile phone radiation in human endothelial cells: molecular mechanism for cancer- and blood-brain barrier-related effects.

PubMed

Leszczynski, Dariusz; Joenväärä, Sakari; Reivinen, Jukka; Kuokka, Reetta

2002-05-01

We have examined whether non-thermal exposures of cultures of the human endothelial cell line EA.hy926 to 900 MHz GSM mobile phone microwave radiation could activate stress response. Results obtained demonstrate that 1-hour non-thermal exposure of EA.hy926 cells changes the phosphorylation status of numerous, yet largely unidentified, proteins. One of the affected proteins was identified as heat shock protein-27 (hsp27). Mobile phone exposure caused a transient increase in phosphorylation of hsp27, an effect which was prevented by SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK). Also, mobile phone exposure caused transient changes in the protein expression levels of hsp27 and p38MAPK. All these changes were non-thermal effects because, as determined using temperature probes, irradiation did not alter the temperature of cell cultures, which remained throughout the irradiation period at 37 +/- 0.3 degrees C. Changes in the overall pattern of protein phosphorylation suggest that mobile phone radiation activates a variety of cellular signal transduction pathways, among them the hsp27/p38MAPK stress response pathway. Based on the known functions of hsp27, we put forward the hypothesis that mobile phone radiation-induced activation of hsp27 may (i) facilitate the development of brain cancer by inhibiting the cytochrome c/caspase-3 apoptotic pathway and (ii) cause an increase in blood-brain barrier permeability through stabilization of endothelial cell stress fibers. We postulate that these events, when occurring repeatedly over a long period of time, might become a health hazard because of the possible accumulation of brain tissue damage. Furthermore, our hypothesis suggests that other brain damaging factors may co-participate in mobile phone radiation-induced effects.

A novel hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization regimen, utilizing bortezomib and filgrastim, for patients undergoing autologous transplant.

PubMed

Abhyankar, Sunil; Lubanski, Philip; DeJarnette, Shaun; Merkel, Dean; Bunch, Jennifer; Daniels, Kelly; Aljitawi, Omar; Lin, Tara; Ganguly, Sid; McGuirk, Joseph

2016-12-01

Adequate hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) collection is critical for patients undergoing autologous HPC transplant (AHPCT). Historically, 15 - 30% of patients failed HPC mobilization with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone. Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, has been shown to down regulate very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), an adhesion molecule expressed on HPCs. In this pilot study, bortezomib was administered on days -11 and -8 at a dose of 1.3 mg/m 2 intravenously (IV) or subcutaneously (SQ), followed by G-CSF 10 mcg/kg SQ, on days -4 to -1 prior to HPC collection (Day 1). Nineteen patients, with multiple myeloma (n = 12) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 7) undergoing AHPCT for the first time, were enrolled. Patients were excluded if they had worse than grade II neuropathy or platelet count less than 100 x 10 9 /L. Bortezomib was well tolerated and all patients had adequate HPC collections with no mobilization failures. One patient (6%) had a CD34 + cell count of 3.9 cells/µL on Day 1 and received plerixafor per institutional algorithm. Eleven patients completed HPC collection in 1 day and eight in 2 days. All patients underwent AHPCT and had timely neutrophil and platelet engraftment. Comparison with a historical control group of 70 MM and lymphoma patients, who were mobilized with G-CSF, showed significantly higher CD 34+ cells/kg collected in the bortezomib mobilization study group. Bortezomib plus G-CSF is an effective HPC mobilizing regimen worth investigating further in subsequent studies. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:559-563, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

microRNA-150 Regulates Mobilization and Migration of Bone Marrow-Derived Mononuclear Cells by Targeting Cxcr4

PubMed Central

Tano, Nobuko; Kim, Ha Won; Ashraf, Muhammad

2011-01-01

The interaction between chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1, plays an important role in stem cell mobilization and migration in ischemic tissues. MicroRNAs (miRs) are key regulators of stem cell function and are involved in regulation of stem cell survival and differentiation to adopt different cell lineages. In this study, we show that ischemia inhibits the expression of miR-150 in BM-derived mononuclear cells (MNC) and activates its target Cxcr4 gene. Our results show that miR-150/CXCR4 cascade enhances MNC mobilization and migration. By using mouse acute myocardial infarction (MI) model, we found that MNCs in peripheral blood (PB) were increased significantly at day 5 after AMI as compared to control group and the number of CXCR4 positive MNCs both in bone marrow (BM) and PB was also markedly increased after MI. Analysis by microarray-based miRNA profiling and real-time PCR revealed that the expression of miR-150 which targets Cxcr4 gene as predicted was significantly downregulated in BM-MNCs after MI. Abrogation of miR-150 markedly increased CXCR4 protein expression suggesting its target gene. To show that miR-150 regulates MNC mobilization, knockdown of miR-150 in BM-MNCs by specific antisense inhibitor resulted in their higher migration ability in vitro as compared to scramble-transfected MNCs. Furthermore, in vivo BM transplantation of MNCs lacking miR-150 expression by lentiviral vector into the irradiated wild type mice resulted in the increased number of MNCs in PB after AMI as compared to control. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ischemia mobilizes BM stem cells via miR-150/CXCR4 dependent mechanism and miR-150 may be a novel therapeutic target for stem cell migration to the ischemic tissue for neovascularization and repair. PMID:22039399

[Differential regulation of CCR5 expression on T lymphocytes in healthy donors after mobilization with rhG-CSF and its correlation with aGVHD].

PubMed

Wang, Meng; Ma, Xiang-Juan; Dong, Yu-Jun; Qiu, Zhi-Xiang; Liu, Wei; Li, Yuan; Wang, Mang-Ju; Sun, Yu-Hua; Ren, Han-Yun

2013-08-01

This study was to investigate the differential regulation of CCR5 expression on T cells in healthy donors after mobilization with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) and analyze its correlation with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) so as to understand the possible mechanisms underlying rhG-CSF-induced immune tolerance. Sixty-eight related healthy donor and their corresponding recipient for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) were enrolled in this study. The expression of CCR5 on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the peripheral blood (PB) before and after mobilization were detected by using flow cytometry (FCM) respectively. According to the changes of CCR5 expression on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, the Sixty-two evaluable donors were divided into the downregulated and unchanged/upregulated (non-downregulated) groups, and the incidence of grades II to IV aGVHD in two groups were compared. The results showed that the mean value of CCR5 expression on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in PB was not different significantly after mobilization (P > 0.05). Apparent inconsistency was showed among different individuals. Thirty-four (50%) donors displayed downregulation of CCR5 expression, while 34 (50%) donors manifested unchanged or upregulated CCR5 expression on CD4(+) T cells. CCR5 expression on CD8(+) T cells was downregulated in 42 (61.8%), unchanged or upregulated in 26 (38.3%) donors. The cumulative incidence of grades II to IV aGVHD in the downregulated and non-downregulated groups for CD4(+) T cells were 16.1% and 41.9% (P = 0.032), and recipients with CCR5 downregulation on CD8(+) T cells showed an increased tendency of developing aGVHD (37.8% vs 16.0%, P = 0.065). In conclusion, rhG-CSF mobilization could lead to differential regulation of CCR5 expression on T cells, which might influence the migration of T cells in vivo, decrease T cell trafficking towards GVHD target organs, and thus reduce the incidence of aGVHD after transplantation.

Effect of hydrodynamic interactions on the diffusion of integral membrane proteins: diffusion in plasma membranes.

PubMed Central

Bussell, S J; Koch, D L; Hammer, D A

1995-01-01

Tracer diffusion coefficients of integral membrane proteins (IMPs) in intact plasma membranes are often much lower than those found in blebbed, organelle, and reconstituted membranes. We calculate the contribution of hydrodynamic interactions to the tracer, gradient, and rotational diffusion of IMPs in plasma membranes. Because of the presence of immobile IMPs, Brinkman's equation governs the hydrodynamics in plasma membranes. Solutions of Brinkman's equation enable the calculation of short-time diffusion coefficients of IMPs. There is a large reduction in particle mobilities when a fraction of them is immobile, and as the fraction increases, the mobilities of the mobile particles continue to decrease. Combination of the hydrodynamic mobilities with Monte Carlo simulation results, which incorporate excluded area effects, enable the calculation of long-time diffusion coefficients. We use our calculations to analyze results for tracer diffusivities in several different systems. In erythrocytes, we find that the hydrodynamic theory, when combined with excluded area effects, closes the gap between existing theory and experiment for the mobility of band 3, with the remaining discrepancy likely due to direct obstruction of band 3 lateral mobility by the spectrin network. In lymphocytes, the combined hydrodynamic-excluded area theory provides a plausible explanation for the reduced mobility of sIg molecules induced by binding concanavalin A-coated platelets. However, the theory does not explain all reported cases of "anchorage modulation" in all cell types in which receptor mobilities are reduced after binding by concanavalin A-coated platelets. The hydrodynamic theory provides an explanation of why protein lateral mobilities are restricted in plasma membranes and why, in many systems, deletion of the cytoplasmic tail of a receptor has little effect on diffusion rates. However, much more data are needed to test the theory definitively. We also predict that gradient and tracer diffusivities are the same to leading order. Finally, we have calculated rotational diffusion coefficients in plasma membranes. They decrease less rapidly than translational diffusion coefficients with increasing protein immobilization, and the results agree qualitatively with the limited experimental data available. PMID:7612825

Renewable Hydrogen-Economically Viable: Integration into the U.S. Transportation Sector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurtz, Jennifer; Peters, Mike; Muratori, Matteo

The U.S. transportation sector is expected to meet numerous goals in differing applications. These goals address security, safety, fuel source, emissions reductions, advanced mobility models, and improvements in quality and accessibility. Solutions to meeting these goals include a variety of alternative-fuel technologies, including batteries, fuel cells, synthetic fuels, and biofuels, as well as modifying how current transportation systems are used and integrating new systems, such as storing renewable energy. Overall, there are many combinations of problems, objectives, and solutions.

Realizing Outdoor Independent Learning with a Butterfly-Watching Mobile Learning System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Yuh-Shyan; Kao, Tai-Chien; Sheu, Jang-Ping

2005-01-01

In this article, we describe the development of a mobile butterfly-watching learning (BWL) system to realize outdoor independent learning for mobile learners. The mobile butterfly-watching learning system was designed in a wireless mobile ad-hoc learning environment. This is first result to provide a cognitive tool with supporting the independent…

Controlled method of reducing electrophoretic mobility of various substances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanalstine, James M. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

A method of reducing electrophoretic mobility of macromolecules, particles, cells, and the like is provided. The method comprises interacting the particles or cells with a polymer-linked affinity compound composed of: a hydrophilic neutral polymer such as polyethylene glycol, and an affinity component consisting of a hydrophobic compound such as a fatty acid ester, an immunocompound such as an antibody or active fragment thereof or simular macromolecule, or other ligands. The reduction of electrophoretic mobility achieved is directly proportional to the concentration of the polymer-linked affinity compound employed, and the mobility reduction obtainable is up to 100 percent for particular particles and cells. The present invention is advantageous in that analytical electrophoretic separation can not be achieved for macromolecules, particles, and cells whose native surface charge structure had prevented them from being separated by normal electrophoretic means. Depending on the affinity component utilized, separation can be achieved on the basis of specific/irreversible, specific/reversible, semi-specific/reversible, relatively nonspecific/reversible, or relatively nonspecific/irreversible ligand-substance interactions. The present method is also advantageous in that it can be used in a variety of standard laboratory electrophoresis equipment.

A geostationary satellite system for mobile multimedia applications using portable, aeronautical and mobile terminals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Losquadro, G.; Luglio, M.; Vatalaro, F.

1997-01-01

A geostationary satellite system for mobile multimedia services via portable, aeronautical and mobile terminals was developed within the framework of the Advanced Communications Technology Service (ACTS) programs. The architecture of the system developed under the 'satellite extremely high frequency communications for multimedia mobile services (SECOMS)/ACTS broadband aeronautical terminal experiment' (ABATE) project is presented. The system will be composed of a Ka band system component, and an extremely high frequency band component. The major characteristics of the space segment, the ground control station and the portable, aeronautical and mobile user terminals are outlined.

Progress toward a full scale mobile satellite system for Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roscoe, Orest S.

The MSAT satellite, planned for launch in early 1994, will provide full scale, satellite based, mobile voice and data communication services to Canada. The MSAT system will provide mobile telephone, mobile radio and mobile data services to customers on the move in any part of North America. The Telesat Mobile Inc. (TMI) satellite will be backed up by a similar satellite to be operated by the American Mobile Satellite Corporation (AMSC) in the United States. An early entry mobile data service was inaugurated in the second quarter of 1990 using channels leased from INMARSAT on Marisat or Marecs-B. The baseline TMI system is described, beginning with the MSAT satellite under contract. The network architecture and the control system that are under development to support the mobile services are discussed. Since it is clearly desirable to have a North American system, such that customers may buy a mobile earth terminal (MET) from a number of qualified suppliers and be able to use it either in Canada or the U.S., TMI and AMSC are cooperating closely in the development of the space and ground segments of the system. The time scale for the procurement of all the elements of the systems is discussed.

Fuel processors for fuel cell APU applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aicher, T.; Lenz, B.; Gschnell, F.; Groos, U.; Federici, F.; Caprile, L.; Parodi, L.

The conversion of liquid hydrocarbons to a hydrogen rich product gas is a central process step in fuel processors for auxiliary power units (APUs) for vehicles of all kinds. The selection of the reforming process depends on the fuel and the type of the fuel cell. For vehicle power trains, liquid hydrocarbons like gasoline, kerosene, and diesel are utilized and, therefore, they will also be the fuel for the respective APU systems. The fuel cells commonly envisioned for mobile APU applications are molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC), solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). Since high-temperature fuel cells, e.g. MCFCs or SOFCs, can be supplied with a feed gas that contains carbon monoxide (CO) their fuel processor does not require reactors for CO reduction and removal. For PEMFCs on the other hand, CO concentrations in the feed gas must not exceed 50 ppm, better 20 ppm, which requires additional reactors downstream of the reforming reactor. This paper gives an overview of the current state of the fuel processor development for APU applications and APU system developments. Furthermore, it will present the latest developments at Fraunhofer ISE regarding fuel processors for high-temperature fuel cell APU systems on board of ships and aircrafts.

Elabela-apelin receptor signaling pathway is functional in mammalian systems.

PubMed

Wang, Zhi; Yu, Daozhan; Wang, Mengqiao; Wang, Qilong; Kouznetsova, Jennifer; Yang, Rongze; Qian, Kun; Wu, Wenjun; Shuldiner, Alan; Sztalryd, Carole; Zou, Minghui; Zheng, Wei; Gong, Da-Wei

2015-02-02

Elabela (ELA) or Toddler is a recently discovered hormone which is required for normal development of heart and vasculature through activation of apelin receptor (APJ), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), in zebrafish. The present study explores whether the ELA-APJ signaling pathway is functional in the mammalian system. Using reverse-transcription PCR, we found that ELA is restrictedly expressed in human pluripotent stem cells and adult kidney whereas APJ is more widely expressed. We next studied ELA-APJ signaling pathway in reconstituted mammalian cell systems. Addition of ELA to HEK293 cells over-expressing GFP-AJP fusion protein resulted in rapid internalization of the fusion receptor. In Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells over-expressing human APJ, ELA suppresses cAMP production with EC50 of 11.1 nM, stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation with EC50 of 14.3 nM and weakly induces intracellular calcium mobilization. Finally, we tested ELA biological function in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells and showed that ELA induces angiogenesis and relaxes mouse aortic blood vessel in a dose-dependent manner through a mechanism different from apelin. Collectively, we demonstrate that the ELA-AJP signaling pathways are functional in mammalian systems, indicating that ELA likely serves as a hormone regulating the circulation system in adulthood as well as in embryonic development.

Axonal sprouting and laminin appearance after destruction of glial sheaths.

PubMed Central

Masuda-Nakagawa, L M; Muller, K J; Nicholls, J G

1993-01-01

Laminin, a large extracellular matrix molecule, is associated with axonal outgrowth during development and regeneration of the nervous system in a variety of animals. In the leech central nervous system, laminin immunoreactivity appears after axon injury in advance of the regenerating axons. Although studies of vertebrate nervous system in culture have implicated glial and Schwann cells as possible sources, the cells that deposit laminin at sites crucial for regeneration in the living animal are not known. We have made a direct test to determine whether, in the central nervous system of the leech, cells other than ensheathing glial cells can produce laminin. Ensheathing glial cells of adult leeches were ablated selectively by intracellular injection of a protease. As a result, leech laminin accumulated within 10 days in regions of the central nervous system where it is not normally found, and undamaged, intact axons began to sprout extensively. In normal leeches laminin immunoreactivity is situated only in the basement membrane that surrounds the central nervous system, whereas after ablation of ensheathing glia it appeared in spaces through which neurons grew. Within days of ablation of the glial cell, small mobile phagocytes, or microglia, accumulated in the spaces formerly occupied by the glial cell. Microglia were concentrated at precisely the sites of new laminin appearance and axon sprouting. These results suggest that in the animal, as in culture, leech laminin promotes sprouting and that microglia may be responsible for its appearance. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 PMID:8506343

Phase-field modeling of liquids splitting between separating surfaces and its application to high-resolution roll-based printing technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hizir, F. E.; Hardt, D. E.

2017-05-01

An in-depth understanding of the liquid transport in roll-based printing systems is essential for advancing the roll-based printing technology and enhancing the performance of the printed products. In this study, phase-field simulations are performed to characterize the liquid transport in roll-based printing systems, and the phase-field method is shown to be an effective tool to simulate the liquid transport. In the phase-field simulations, the liquid transport through the ink transfer rollers is approximated as the stretching and splitting of liquid bridges with pinned or moving contact lines between vertically separating surfaces. First, the effect of the phase-field parameters and the mesh characteristics on the simulation results is examined. The simulation results show that a sharp interface limit is approached as the capillary width decreases while keeping the mobility proportional to the capillary width squared. Close to the sharp interface limit, the mobility changes over a specified range are observed to have no significant influence on the simulation results. Next, the ink transfer from the cells on the surface of an ink-metering roller to the surface of stamp features is simulated. Under negligible inertial effects and in the absence of gravity, the amount of liquid ink transferred from an axisymmetric cell with low surface wettability to a stamp with high surface wettability is found to increase as the cell sidewall steepness and the cell surface wettability decrease and the stamp surface wettability and the capillary number increase. Strategies for improving the resolution and quality of roll-based printing are derived based on an analysis of the simulation results. The application of novel materials that contain cells with irregular surface topography to stamp inking in high-resolution roll-based printing is assessed.

Free flow cell electrophoresis using zwitterionic buffer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rodkey, R. Scott

1990-01-01

Studies of a zwitterionic buffer formulated for cell electrophoresis were done using the McDonnell-Douglas Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System. Standard buffers were analyzed for their stability in the electrical field and the results showed that both buffers tested were inherently unstable. Further, titration studies showed that the standards buffers buffered poorly at the pH employed for electrophoresis. The zwitterionic buffer buffered well at its nominal pH and was shown to be stable in the electrical field. Comparative studies of the buffer with standard cell separation buffers using formalin fixed rabbit and goose red blood cells showed that the zwitterionic buffer gave better resolution of the fixed cells. Studies with viable hybridoma cells showed that buffer Q supported cell viability equal to Hank's Balanced Salt Solution and that hybridoma cells in different stages of the growth cycle demonstrated reproducible differences in electrophoretic mobility.

Dynamic Call Admission Control Scheme Based on Predictive User Mobility Behavior for Cellular Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Intarasothonchun, Silada; Thipchaksurat, Sakchai; Varakulsiripunth, Ruttikorn; Onozato, Yoshikuni

In this paper, we propose a modified scheme of MSODB and PMS, called Predictive User Mobility Behavior (PUMB) to improve performance of resource reservation and call admission control for cellular networks. This algorithm is proposed in which bandwidth is allocated more efficiently to neighboring cells by key mobility parameters in order to provide QoS guarantees for transferring traffic. The probability is used to form a cluster of cells and the shadow cluster, where a mobile unit is likely to visit. When a mobile unit may change the direction and migrate to the cell that does not belong to its shadow cluster, we can support it by making efficient use of predicted nonconforming call. Concomitantly, to ensure continuity of on-going calls with better utilization of resources, bandwidth is borrowed from predicted nonconforming calls and existing adaptive calls without affecting the minimum QoS guarantees. The performance of the PUMB is demonstrated by simulation results in terms of new call blocking probability, handoff call dropping probability, bandwidth utilization, call successful probability, and overhead message transmission when arrival rate and speed of mobile units are varied. Our results show that PUMB provides the better performances comparing with those of MSODB and PMS under different traffic conditions.

The Role of Bioactive Lipids in Stem Cell Mobilization and Homing: Novel Therapeutics for Myocardial Ischemia

PubMed Central

Klyachkin, Yuri M.; Karapetyan, Anush V.; Ratajczak, Mariusz Z.; Abdel-Latif, Ahmed

2014-01-01

Despite significant advances in medical therapy and interventional strategies, the prognosis of millions of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains poor. Currently, short of heart transplantation with all of its inherit limitations, there are no available treatment strategies that replace the infarcted myocardium. It is now well established that cardiomyocytes undergo continuous renewal, with contribution from bone marrow (BM)-derived stem/progenitor cells (SPCs). This phenomenon is upregulated during AMI by initiating multiple innate reparatory mechanisms through which BMSPCs are mobilized towards the ischemic myocardium and contribute to myocardial regeneration. While a role for the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in retention of BMSPCs in bone marrow is undisputed, its exclusive role in their mobilization and homing to a highly proteolytic microenvironment, such as the ischemic/infarcted myocardium, is currently being challenged. Recent evidence suggests a pivotal role for bioactive lipids in the mobilization of BMSPCs at the early stages following AMI and their homing towards ischemic myocardium. This review highlights the recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of stem cell mobilization, provides newer evidence implicating bioactive lipids in BMSPC mobilization and differentiation, and discusses their potential as therapeutic agents in the treatment of IHD. PMID:24672794

Ca{sup 2+}-dependent mobility of vesicles capturing anti-VGLUT1 antibodies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stenovec, Matjaz; Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana; Kreft, Marko

2007-11-01

Several aspects of secretory vesicle cycle have been studied in the past, but vesicle trafficking in relation to the fusion site is less well understood. In particular, the mobility of recaptured vesicles that traffic back toward the central cytoplasm is still poorly defined. We exposed astrocytes to antibodies against the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), a marker of glutamatergic vesicles, to fluorescently label vesicles undergoing Ca{sup 2+}-dependent exocytosis and examined their number, fluorescence intensity, and mobility by confocal microscopy. In nonstimulated cells, immunolabeling revealed discrete fluorescent puncta, indicating that VGLUT1 vesicles, which are approximately 50 nm in diameter, cycle slowlymore » between the plasma membrane and the cytoplasm. When the cytosolic Ca{sup 2+} level was raised with ionomycin, the number and fluorescence intensity of the puncta increased, likely because the VGLUT1 epitopes were more accessible to the extracellularly applied antibodies following Ca{sup 2+}-triggered exocytosis. In nonstimulated cells, the mobility of labeled vesicles was limited. In stimulated cells, many vesicles exhibited directional mobility that was abolished by cytoskeleton-disrupting agents, indicating dependence on intact cytoskeleton. Our findings show that postfusion vesicle mobility is regulated and may likely play a role in synaptic vesicle cycle, and also more generally in the genesis and removal of endocytic vesicles.« less

Wearable motion sensors to continuously measure real-world physical activities.

PubMed

Dobkin, Bruce H

2013-12-01

Rehabilitation for sensorimotor impairments aims to improve daily activities, walking, exercise, and motor skills. Monitoring of practice and measuring outcomes, however, is usually restricted to laboratory-based procedures and self-reports. Mobile health devices may reverse these confounders of daily care and research trials. Wearable, wireless motion sensor data, analyzed by activity pattern-recognition algorithms, can describe the type, quantity, and quality of mobility-related activities in the community. Data transmission from the sensors to a cell phone and the Internet enable continuous monitoring. Remote access to laboratory quality data about walking speed, duration and distance, gait asymmetry and smoothness of movements, as well as cycling, exercise, and skills practice, opens new opportunities to engage patients in progressive, personalized therapies with feedback about the performance. Clinical trial designs will be able to include remote verification of the integrity of complex physical interventions and compliance with practice, as well as capture repeated, ecologically sound, ratio scale outcome measures. Given the progressively falling cost of miniaturized wearable gyroscopes, accelerometers, and other physiologic sensors, as well as inexpensive data transmission, sensing systems may become as ubiquitous as cell phones for healthcare. Neurorehabilitation can develop these mobile health platforms for daily care and clinical trials to improve exercise and fitness, skills learning, and physical functioning.

Exposure to 915 MHz radiation induces micronuclei in Vicia faba root tips.

PubMed

Gustavino, Bianca; Carboni, Giovanni; Petrillo, Roberto; Paoluzzi, Giovanni; Santovetti, Emanuele; Rizzoni, Marco

2016-03-01

The increasing use of mobile phones and wireless networks raised a great debate about the real carcinogenic potential of radiofrequency-electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure associated with these devices. Conflicting results are reported by the great majority of in vivo and in vitro studies on the capability of RF-EMF exposure to induce DNA damage and mutations in mammalian systems. Aimed at understanding whether less ambiguous responses to RF-EMF exposure might be evidenced in plant systems with respect to mammalian ones, in the present work the mutagenic effect of RF-EMF has been studied through the micronucleus (MN) test in secondary roots of Vicia faba seedlings exposed to mobile phone transmission in controlled conditions, inside a transverse electro magnetic (TEM) cell. Exposure of roots was carried out for 72h using a continuous wave (CW) of 915 MHz radiation at three values of equivalent plane wave power densities (23, 35 and 46W/m(2)). The specific absorption rate (SAR) was measured with a calorimetric method and the corresponding values were found to fall in the range of 0.4-1.5W/kg. Results of three independent experiments show the induction of a significant increase of MN frequency after exposure, ranging from a 2.3-fold increase above the sham value, at the lowest SAR level, up to a 7-fold increase at the highest SAR. These findings are in agreement with the limited number of data on cytogenetic effects detected in other plant systems exposed to mobile phone RF-EMF frequencies and clearly show the capability of radiofrequency exposure to induce DNA damage in this eukaryotic cell system. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the UK Environmental Mutagen Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Design and management of public health outreach using interoperable mobile multimedia: an analysis of a national winter weather preparedness campaign.

PubMed

Bandera, Cesar

2016-05-25

The Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR) in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts outreach for public preparedness for natural and manmade incidents. In 2011, OPHPR conducted a nationwide mobile public health (m-Health) campaign that pushed brief videos on preparing for severe winter weather onto cell phones, with the objective of evaluating the interoperability of multimedia m-Health outreach with diverse cell phones (including handsets without Internet capability), carriers, and user preferences. Existing OPHPR outreach material on winter weather preparedness was converted into mobile-ready multimedia using mobile marketing best practices to improve audiovisual quality and relevance. Middleware complying with opt-in requirements was developed to push nine bi-weekly multimedia broadcasts onto subscribers' cell phones, and OPHPR promoted the campaign on its web site and to subscribers on its govdelivery.com notification platform. Multimedia, text, and voice messaging activity to/from the middleware was logged and analyzed. Adapting existing media into mobile video was straightforward using open source and commercial software, including web pages, PDF documents, and public service announcements. The middleware successfully delivered all outreach videos to all participants (a total of 504 videos) regardless of the participant's device. 54 % of videos were viewed on cell phones, 32 % on computers, and 14 % were retrieved by search engine web crawlers. 21 % of participating cell phones did not have Internet access, yet still received and displayed all videos. The time from media push to media viewing on cell phones was half that of push to viewing on computers. Video delivered through multimedia messaging can be as interoperable as text messages, while providing much richer information. This may be the only multimedia mechanism available to outreach campaigns targeting vulnerable populations impacted by the digital divide. Anti-spam laws preserve the integrity of mobile messaging, but complicate campaign promotion. Person-to-person messages may boost enrollment.

Lithium-Air Cell Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, Concha M.; Dobley, Arthur; Seymour, Frasier W.

2014-01-01

Lithium-air (Li-air) primary batteries have a theoretical specific capacity of 11,400 Wh/kg, the highest of any common metal-air system. NASA is developing Li-air technology for a Mobile Oxygen Concentrator for Spacecraft Emergencies, an application which requires an extremely lightweight primary battery that can discharge over 24 hours continuously. Several vendors were funded through the NASA SBIR program to develop Li-air technology to fulfill the requirements of this application. New catalysts and carbon cathode structures were developed to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction and increase surface area to improve cell performance. Techniques to stabilize the lithium metal anode surface were explored. Experimental results for prototype laboratory cells are given. Projections are made for the performance of hypothetical cells constructed from the materials that were developed.

Increased circulating stem cells and better cognitive performance in traumatic brain injury subjects following hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

PubMed

Shandley, Sabrina; Wolf, E George; Schubert-Kappan, Christine M; Baugh, Laura M; Richards, Michael F; Prye, Jennifer; Arizpe, Helen M; Kalns, John

2017-01-01

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may cause persistent cognitive dysfunction. A pilot clinical study was performed to determine if hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) treatment improves cognitive performance. It was hypothesized that stem cells, mobilized by HBO₂ treatment, are recruited to repair damaged neuronal tissue. This hypothesis was tested by measuring the relative abundance of stem cells in peripheral blood and cognitive performance during this clinical trial. The subject population consisted of 28 subjects with persistent cognitive impairment caused by mild to moderate TBI suffered during military deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis was performed for stem cell markers in peripheral blood and correlated with variables resulting from standard tests of cognitive performance and post-traumatic stress disorder: ImPACT, BrainCheckers and PCL-M test results. HBO₂ treatment correlated with stem cell mobilization as well as increased cognitive performance. Together these results support the hypothesis that stem cell mobilization may be required for cognitive improvement in this population. Copyright© Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.

Why drivers use cell phones and support legislation to restrict this practice.

PubMed

Sanbonmatsu, David M; Strayer, David L; Behrends, Arwen A; Ward, Nathan; Watson, Jason M

2016-07-01

The use of cell phones while driving is ubiquitous, particularly in countries where the practice is legal. However, surveys indicate that most drivers favor legislation to limit the use of mobile devices during the operation of a vehicle. A study was conducted to understand this inconsistency between what drivers do and what they advocate for others. Participants completed a survey about their driving attitudes, abilities, and behaviors. Following previous research, drivers reported using cell phones for benefits such as getting work done. The hypocrisy of using cell phones while advocating restrictions appears to stem from differences in the perceived safety risks of self vs. others' use of cell phones. Many if not most drivers believe they can drive safely while using mobile devices. However, they lack confidence in others' ability to drive safely while distracted and believe that others' use of cell phones is dangerous. The threat to public safety of others' usage of mobile devices was one of the strongest independent predictors of support for legislation to restrict cell phone use. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Simultaneous detection of colonic epithelial cells in portal venous and peripheral blood during colorectal cancer surgery.

PubMed

Tien, Yu-Wen; Lee, Po-Huang; Wang, Shih-Ming; Hsu, Su-Ming; Chang, King-Jen

2002-01-01

This study was designed to show, in certain patients, that colonic epithelial cells can be present in peripheral blood while absent in portal venous blood. The circulating colorectal epithelial cells were detected by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay, which involved amplifying guanylyl cyclase C transcripts. Portal venous and peripheral blood samples were obtained at intervals from 58 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. Circulating colonic epithelial cells were more frequently detected in portal venous blood than in peripheral blood only before mobilization of the tumor-bearing colon segment in patients with tumors of Stage B. In five other patients, before mobilization of their tumor-bearing colon segments, and in another three patients, during the mobilization, colorectal epithelial cells were detected in peripheral blood but not in portal venous blood. These eight patients had Stage C or D tumors. In 8 of 58 patients, colorectal epithelial cells were detected in peripheral but not in portal venous blood. Metastatic deposits in lymphatic vessels or liver might be the source of these cells.

Organic Ferroelectric-Based 1T1T Random Access Memory Cell Employing a Common Dielectric Layer Overcoming the Half-Selection Problem.

PubMed

Zhao, Qiang; Wang, Hanlin; Ni, Zhenjie; Liu, Jie; Zhen, Yonggang; Zhang, Xiaotao; Jiang, Lang; Li, Rongjin; Dong, Huanli; Hu, Wenping

2017-09-01

Organic electronics based on poly(vinylidenefluoride/trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) dielectric is facing great challenges in flexible circuits. As one indispensable part of integrated circuits, there is an urgent demand for low-cost and easy-fabrication nonvolatile memory devices. A breakthrough is made on a novel ferroelectric random access memory cell (1T1T FeRAM cell) consisting of one selection transistor and one ferroelectric memory transistor in order to overcome the half-selection problem. Unlike complicated manufacturing using multiple dielectrics, this system simplifies 1T1T FeRAM cell fabrication using one common dielectric. To achieve this goal, a strategy for semiconductor/insulator (S/I) interface modulation is put forward and applied to nonhysteretic selection transistors with high performances for driving or addressing purposes. As a result, high hole mobility of 3.81 cm 2 V -1 s -1 (average) for 2,6-diphenylanthracene (DPA) and electron mobility of 0.124 cm 2 V -1 s -1 (average) for N,N'-1H,1H-perfluorobutyl dicyanoperylenecarboxydiimide (PDI-FCN 2 ) are obtained in selection transistors. In this work, we demonstrate this technology's potential for organic ferroelectric-based pixelated memory module fabrication. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Cellular Localization and Trafficking of the Human ABCG1 Transporter

PubMed Central

Neufeld, Edward B.; O’Brien, Katherine; Walts, Avram D.; Stonik, John A.; Demosky, Steven J.; Malide, Daniela; Combs, Christian A.; Remaley, Alan T.

2014-01-01

We have developed a suitable heterologous cell expression system to study the localization, trafficking, and site(s) of function of the human ABCG1 transporter. Increased plasma membrane (PM) and late endosomal (LE) cholesterol generated by ABCG1 was removed by lipoproteins and liposomes, but not apoA-I. Delivery of ABCG1 to the PM and LE was required for ABCG1-mediated cellular cholesterol efflux. ABCG1 LEs frequently contacted the PM, providing a collisional mechanism for transfer of ABCG1-mobilized cholesterol, similar to ABCG1-mediated PM cholesterol efflux to lipoproteins. ABCG1-mobilized LE cholesterol also trafficked to the PM by a non-vesicular pathway. Transfer of ABCG1-mobilized cholesterol from the cytoplasmic face of LEs to the PM and concomitant removal of cholesterol from the outer leaflet of the PM bilayer by extracellular acceptors suggests that ABCG1 mobilizes cholesterol on both sides of the lipid bilayer for removal by acceptors. ABCG1 increased uptake of HDL into LEs, consistent with a potential ABCG1-mediated cholesterol efflux pathway involving HDL resecretion. Thus, ABCG1 at the PM mobilizes PM cholesterol and ABCG1 in LE/LYS generates mobile pools of cholesterol that can traffic by both vesicular and non-vesicular pathways to the PM where it can also be transferred to extracellular acceptors with a lipid surface. PMID:25405320

Integration between terrestrial-based and satellite-based land mobile communications systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arcidiancono, Antonio

1990-01-01

A survey is given of several approaches to improving the performance and marketability of mobile satellite systems (MSS). The provision of voice/data services in the future regional European Land Mobile Satellite System (LMSS), network integration between the Digital Cellular Mobile System (GSM) and LMSS, the identification of critical areas for the implementation of integrated GSM/LMSS areas, space segment scenarios, LMSS for digital trunked private mobile radio (PMR) services, and code division multiple access (CDMA) techniques for a terrestrial/satellite system are covered.

LABELING WITH 14C AMINO ACIDS OF ALBUMIN-LIKE PROTEIN BY RAT LIVER RIBONUCLEOPROTEIN PARTICLES

PubMed Central

von der Decken, Alexandra

1963-01-01

Ribonucleoprotein particles were prepared by treatment of rat liver microsomes with detergents and high concentrations of KCl. They were active in incorporating 14C amino acids into protein when incubated with cell sap together with ATP, GTP, and a system to regenerate the triphosphates. The albumin of the incubation mixture, soluble at 105,000 g, and that of the fraction released by ultrasonication of the particles were studied by immunoelectrophoresis in agar gel. When the ribonucleoprotein particles were incubated with cell sap the immunological precipitation lines formed with antiserum to rat serum albumin were highly radioactive as tested by autoradiography. After zone electrophoresis on cellulose acetate, two immunologically reactive albumins were obtained which differed in their electrophoretic mobility from rat serum albumin. Labeled albumin, when purified on DEAE-cellulose columns, retained its radioactivity as tested by autoradiography following immunoelectrophoresis. On cellulose acetate this purified albumin showed an electrophoretic mobility higher than that of rat serum albumin. PMID:14026307

Mobile flow cytometer for mHealth.

PubMed

Balsam, Joshua; Bruck, Hugh Alan; Rasooly, Avraham

2015-01-01

Flow cytometry is used for cell counting and analysis in numerous clinical and environmental applications. However flow cytometry is not used in mHealth mainly because current flow cytometers are large, expensive, power-intensive devices designed to operate in a laboratory. Their design results in a lack of portability and makes them unsuitable for mHealth applications. Another limitation of current technology is the low volumetric throughput rates that are not suitable for rapid detection of rare cells.To address these limitations, we describe here a novel, low-cost, mobile flow cytometer based on wide-field imaging with a webcam for large volume and high throughput fluorescence detection of rare cells as a simulation for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detection. The mobile flow cytometer uses a commercially available webcam capable of 187 frames per second video capture at a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. For fluorescence detection, a 1 W 450 nm blue laser is used for excitation of Syto-9 fluorescently stained cells detected at 535 nm. A wide-field flow cell was developed for large volume analysis that allows for the linear velocity of target cells to be lower than in conventional hydrodynamic focusing flow cells typically used in cytometry. The mobile flow cytometer was found to be capable of detecting low concentrations at flow rates of 500 μL/min, suitable for rare cell detection in large volumes. The simplicity and low cost of this device suggests that it may have a potential clinical use for mHealth flow cytometry for resource-poor settings associated with global health.

Effect of 900 MHz Electromagnetic Radiation on the Induction of ROS in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.

PubMed

Kazemi, E; Mortazavi, S M J; Ali-Ghanbari, A; Sharifzadeh, S; Ranjbaran, R; Mostafavi-Pour, Z; Zal, F; Haghani, M

2015-09-01

Despite numerous studies over a decade, it still remains controversial about the biological effects of RF EMF emitted by mobile phone telephony. Here we investigated the effect of 900 MHz GSM on the induction of oxidative stress and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human mononuclear cells, monocytes and lymphocytes as defence system cells. 6 ml Peripheral Blood samples were obtained from 13 healthy volunteers (21-30 year-old). Each sample was devided into 2 groups: one was exposed RF radiation emitted from a mobile phone simulator for 2 hour and the other used as control group which was not exposed to any fields. After that, mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation in Ficoll-Paque. The intracellular ROS content in monocytes and lymphocytes was measured by the CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence probe using flowcytometry technique. Our results showed significant increase in  ROS production after exposure in population rich in monocytes. This effect was not significant in population rich in lymphocytes in comparison with non exposed cells. The results obtained in this study clearly showed the oxidative stress induction capability of RF electromagnetic field in the portion of PBMCs mostly in monocytes, like the case of exposure to micro organisms, although the advantages or disadvantages of this effect should be evaluated.

Effect of 900 MHz Electromagnetic Radiation on the Induction of ROS in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

PubMed Central

Kazemi, E.; Mortazavi, S. M. J.; Ali-Ghanbari, A.; Sharifzadeh, S.; Ranjbaran, R.; Mostafavi-pour, Z.; Zal, F.; Haghani, M.

2015-01-01

Background Despite numerous studies over a decade, it still remains controversial about the biological effects of RF EMF emitted by mobile phone telephony. Objective Here we investigated the effect of 900 MHz GSM on the induction of oxidative stress and the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human mononuclear cells, monocytes and lymphocytes as defence system cells. Method 6 ml Peripheral Blood samples were obtained from 13 healthy volunteers (21-30 year-old). Each sample was devided into 2 groups: one was exposed RF radiation emitted from a mobile phone simulator for 2 hour and the other used as control group which was not exposed to any fields. After that, mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation in Ficoll-Paque. The intracellular ROS content in monocytes and lymphocytes was measured by the CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence probe using flowcytometry technique. Results Our results showed significant increase in  ROS production after exposure in population rich in monocytes. This effect was not significant in population rich in lymphocytes in comparison with non exposed cells. Conclusion The results obtained in this study clearly showed the oxidative stress induction capability of RF electromagnetic field in the portion of PBMCs mostly in monocytes, like the case of exposure to micro organisms, although the advantages or disadvantages of this effect should be evaluated. PMID:26396966

Peptide-based, two-fluorophore, ratiometric probe for quantifying mobile zinc in biological solutions.

PubMed

Zhang, Daniel Y; Azrad, Maria; Demark-Wahnefried, Wendy; Frederickson, Christopher J; Lippard, Stephen J; Radford, Robert J

2015-02-20

Small-molecule fluorescent sensors are versatile agents for detecting mobile zinc in biology. Capitalizing on the abundance of validated mobile zinc probes, we devised a strategy for repurposing existing intensity-based sensors for quantitative applications. Using solid-phase peptide synthesis, we conjugated a zinc-sensitive Zinpyr-1 derivative and a zinc-insensitive 7-hydroxycoumarin derivative onto opposite ends of a rigid P9K peptide scaffold to create HcZ9, a ratiometric fluorescent probe for mobile zinc. A plate reader-based assay using HcZ9 was developed, the accuracy of which is comparable to that of atomic absorption spectroscopy. We investigated zinc accumulation in prostatic cells and zinc levels in human seminal fluid. When normal and tumorigenic cells are bathed in zinc-enriched media, cellular mobile zinc is buffered and changes slightly, but total zinc levels increase significantly. Quantification of mobile and total zinc levels in human seminal plasma revealed that the two are positively correlated with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.73.

Calcium mobilization elicited by two types of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mouse substantia nigra pars compacta.

PubMed

Tsuneki, H; Klink, R; Léna, C; Korn, H; Changeux, J P

2000-07-01

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are expressed in the midbrain ascending dopaminergic system, a target of many addictive drugs. Here we assessed the intracellular Ca2+ level by imaging fura-2-loaded cells in substantia nigra pars compacta in mouse brain slices, and we examined the influence on this level of prolonged exposures to nicotine using mice lacking the nAChR beta2-subunit. In control cells, superfusion with nicotine (10-100 microM) caused a long-lasting rise of intracellular Ca2+ level which depended on extracellular Ca2+. This nicotinic response was almost completely absent in beta2-/- mutant mice, leaving a small residual response to a high concentration (100 microM) of nicotine which was inhibited by the alpha7-subunit-selective antagonist, methyllycaconitine. Conversely, the alpha7-subunit-selective agonist choline (10 mM) caused a methyllycaconitine-sensitive increase in intracellular Ca2+ level both in wild-type and beta2-/- mutant mice. Nicotine-elicited Ca2+ mobilization was reduced by the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX) and by T-type Ca2+ channel blocking agents, whereas the choline-elicited Ca2+ increase was insensitive to TTX. Neither nicotine nor choline produced Ca2+ increase following inhibition of the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores by dantrolene. These results demonstrate that in nigral dopaminergic neurons, nicotine can elicit Ca2+ mobilization via activation of two distinct nAChR subtypes: that of beta2-subunit-containing nAChR followed by activation of Na+ channel and T-type Ca2+ channels, and/or activation of alpha7-subunit-containing nAChR. The Ca2+ influx due to nAChR activation is subsequently amplified by the recruitment of intracellular Ca2+ stores. This Ca2+ mobilization may possibly contribute to the long-term effects of nicotine on the dopaminergic system.

The protective effect of autophagy on mouse spermatocyte derived cells exposure to 1800MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation.

PubMed

Liu, Kaijun; Zhang, Guowei; Wang, Zhi; Liu, Yong; Dong, Jianyun; Dong, Xiaomei; Liu, Jinyi; Cao, Jia; Ao, Lin; Zhang, Shaoxiang

2014-08-04

The increasing exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted from mobile phone use has raised public concern regarding the biological effects of RF exposure on the male reproductive system. Autophagy contributes to maintaining intracellular homeostasis under environmental stress. To clarify whether RF exposure could induce autophagy in the spermatocyte, mouse spermatocyte-derived cells (GC-2) were exposed to 1800MHz Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) signals in GSM-Talk mode at specific absorption rate (SAR) values of 1w/kg, 2w/kg or 4w/kg for 24h, respectively. The results indicated that the expression of LC3-II increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner with RF exposure, and showed a significant change at the SAR value of 4w/kg. The autophagosome formation and the occurrence of autophagy were further confirmed by GFP-LC3 transient transfection assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Furthermore, the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II was enhanced by co-treatment with Chloroquine (CQ), indicating autophagic flux could be enhanced by RF exposure. Intracellular ROS levels significantly increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner after cells were exposed to RF. Pretreatment with anti-oxidative NAC obviously decreased the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and attenuated the degradation of p62 induced by RF exposure. Meanwhile, phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) significantly increased after RF exposure at the SAR value of 2w/kg and 4w/kg. Moreover, we observed that RF exposure did not increase the percentage of apoptotic cells, but inhibition of autophagy could increase the percentage of apoptotic cells. These findings suggested that autophagy flux could be enhanced by 1800MHz GSM exposure (4w/kg), which is mediated by ROS generation. Autophagy may play an important role in preventing cells from apoptotic cell death under RF exposure stress. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A decision support system for telemedicine through the mobile telecommunications platform.

PubMed

Eren, Ali; Subasi, Abdulhamit; Coskun, Osman

2008-02-01

In this paper we have discussed the application of artificial intelligence in telemedicine using mobile device. The main goal of our research is to develop methods and systems to collect, analyze, distribute and use medical diagnostics information from multiple knowledge sources and areas of expertise. Physicians may collect and analyze information obtained from experts worldwide with the help of a medical decision support system. In this information retrieval system, modern communication tools such as computers and mobile phones can be used efficiently. In this work we propose a medical decision support system using the general packet radio service (GPRS). GPRS, a data extension of the mobile telephony standard Global system for mobile communications (GSM) is emerging as the first true packet-switched architecture to allow mobile subscribers to benefit from high-speed transmission rates and run JAVA based applications from their mobile terminals. An academic prototype of a medical decision support system using mobile device was implemented. The results reveal that the system could find acceptance from the medical community and it could be an effective means of providing quality health care in developing countries.

Personal communications services: Improving theater deployable communications for the 21st century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cournoyer, Ronald C., Jr.

1994-06-01

Personal Communications Services (PCS) may be the key ingredient for vastly improved military communications capabilities at the turn of the century. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines PCS as a family of mobile or portable radio communications services which could provide services to individuals and businesses and be integrated with a variety of competing networks ... the primary focus of PCS will be to meet communications requirements of people on the move. Today's generation of Theater Deployable Communications, which provides joint tactical communications to deployed forces, is the Tri-Service Tactical Communications (TRI-TAC) system. A description of TRITAC's family of equipment, network topology, typical employment, and critical limitations is presented in this thesis. Five commercial Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) are described as viable candidates for augmenting existing communications systems. Cellular design principles such as frequency reuse, cell splitting, channel access methods, and propagation factors are also addressed. Finally, a framework for comparison of the candidate MSS systems is proposed as a baseline for further studies into the most beneficial implementation of PCS into theater deployable communications systems for the future.

Dancing with Mobile Devices: The LAIT Application System in Performance and Educational Settings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Toenjes, John; Beck, Ken; Reimer, M. Anthony; Mott, Erica

2016-01-01

At most any performance today, you will be notified to turn off your cell phone. The smartphone has become such an integral tool in our daily lives that turning it off is tantamount to severing our connection to our community and challenging the way we view and negotiate the world. Many audience members, particularly young ones, will be looking at…

Brain-Immune Interactions as the Basis of Gulf War Illness: Gulf War Illness Consortium (GWIC)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

neuroinflammation as an end result of initial glial activation and subsequent priming of glial responses that cause a chronic activation loop of...infection, or physical trauma—that mobilizes CNS defense systems via activation of glia, the brain’s primary immune response cells, and release of...oligodendrocytes Microglial Activation (cytokine signaling) Behavioral Effects (fatigue, pain, cognitive problems) Astrocyte Activation (cytokine signaling

Morphophysiological study of digestive system litter-feeding termite Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar, 1832).

PubMed

de Sousa, Géssica; Dos Santos, Vânia Cristina; de Figueiredo Gontijo, Nelder; Constantino, Reginaldo; de Oliveira Paiva E Silva, Gabriela; Bahia, Ana Cristina; Gomes, Fabio Mendonça; de Alcantara Machado, Ednildo

2017-06-01

Termites are the major decomposers of lignocellulosic biomass on Earth and are commonly considered as biological reactor models for lignocellulose degradation. Despite their biotechnological potential, few studies have focused on the morphophysiological aspects of the termite digestive system. We therefore analyze the morphology, ultrastructure and gut luminal pH of the digestive system in workers of the litter-feeding termite Cornitermes cumulans (Blattodea: Termitidae). Their digestive system is composed of salivary glands and an alimentary canal with a pH ranging from neutral to alkaline. The salivary glands have an acinar structure and present cells with secretory characteristics. The alimentary canal is differentiated into the foregut, midgut, mixed segment and hindgut, which comprises the ileum (p1), enteric valve (p2), paunch (p3), colon (p4) and rectum (p5) segments. The foregut has a well-developed chewing system. The midgut possesses a tubular peritrophic membrane and two cell types: digestive cells with secretory and absorptive features and several regenerative cells in mitosis, both cell types being organized into regenerative crypts. The mixed segment exhibits cells rich in glycogen granules. Hindgut p1, p4 and p5 segments have flattened cells with a few apical invaginations related to mitochondria and a thick cuticular lining. Conversely, the hindgut p3 segment contains large cuboid cells with extensive apical invaginations associated with numerous mitochondria. These new insights into the morphophysiology of the digestive system of C. cumulans reveal that it mobilizes lignocellulose components as a nutritional source by means of a highly compartmentalized organization with specialized segments and complex microenvironments.

Interaction of Type IV Toxin/Antitoxin Systems in Cryptic Prophages of Escherichia coli K-12.

PubMed

Wen, Zhongling; Wang, Pengxia; Sun, Chenglong; Guo, Yunxue; Wang, Xiaoxue

2017-03-01

Toxin/antitoxin (TA) systems are widespread in prokaryotic chromosomes and in mobile genetic elements including plasmids and prophages. The first characterized Type IV TA system CbtA/CbeA was found in cryptic prophage CP4-44 in Escherichia coli K-12. Two homologous TA loci of CbtA/CbeA also reside in cryptic prophages of E. coli K-12, YkfI/YafW in CP4-6 and YpjF/YfjZ in CP4-57. In this study, we demonstrated that YkfI and YpjF inhibited cell growth and led to the formation of "lemon-shaped" cells. Prolonged overproduction of YkfI led to the formation of "gourd-shaped" cells and immediate cell lysis. YafW and YfjZ can neutralize the toxicity of YkfI or YpjF. Furthermore, we found that YkfI and YpjF interacted with cell division protein FtsZ in E. coli , but ectopic expression in Pseudomonas and Shewanella did not cause the formation of "lemon-shaped" cells. Moreover, deletion of all of the three toxin genes together decreased resistance to oxidative stress and deletion of the antitoxin genes increased early biofilm formation. Collectively, these results demonstrated that the homologous Type IV TA systems in E. coli may target cell division protein FtsZ in E. coli and may have different physiological functions in E. coli .

Interaction of Type IV Toxin/Antitoxin Systems in Cryptic Prophages of Escherichia coli K-12

PubMed Central

Wen, Zhongling; Wang, Pengxia; Sun, Chenglong; Guo, Yunxue; Wang, Xiaoxue

2017-01-01

Toxin/antitoxin (TA) systems are widespread in prokaryotic chromosomes and in mobile genetic elements including plasmids and prophages. The first characterized Type IV TA system CbtA/CbeA was found in cryptic prophage CP4-44 in Escherichia coli K-12. Two homologous TA loci of CbtA/CbeA also reside in cryptic prophages of E. coli K-12, YkfI/YafW in CP4-6 and YpjF/YfjZ in CP4-57. In this study, we demonstrated that YkfI and YpjF inhibited cell growth and led to the formation of “lemon-shaped” cells. Prolonged overproduction of YkfI led to the formation of “gourd-shaped” cells and immediate cell lysis. YafW and YfjZ can neutralize the toxicity of YkfI or YpjF. Furthermore, we found that YkfI and YpjF interacted with cell division protein FtsZ in E. coli, but ectopic expression in Pseudomonas and Shewanella did not cause the formation of “lemon-shaped” cells. Moreover, deletion of all of the three toxin genes together decreased resistance to oxidative stress and deletion of the antitoxin genes increased early biofilm formation. Collectively, these results demonstrated that the homologous Type IV TA systems in E. coli may target cell division protein FtsZ in E. coli and may have different physiological functions in E. coli. PMID:28257056

Bmi-1 plays a critical role in the protection from acute tubular necrosis by mobilizing renal stem/progenitor cells.

PubMed

Lv, Xianhui; Yu, Zhenzhen; Xie, Chunfeng; Dai, Xiuliang; Li, Qing; Miao, Dengshun; Jin, Jianliang

2017-01-22

The regeneration of injured tubular cell occurs primarily from intrinsic renal stem/progenitor cells (RSCs) labeled with CD24 and CD133 after acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Bmi-1 plays a crucial role in regulating self-renewal, differentiation and aging of multiple adult stem cells and progenitor cells. Bmi-1 was rapidly elevated in the induction of adult kidney regeneration by renal injury. To determine whether Bmi-1 maintained mobilization of RSCs in the protection from ATN, glycerol-rhabdomyolysis-induced ATN were performed in wild type (WT) and Bmi-1-deficient (Bmi-1 -/- ) mice. Their ATN phenotypes were analyzed; CD24 and CD133 double positive (CD24 + CD133 + ) cells were measured; and the levels of serum urea nitrogen (SUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) were detected. We found that CD24 + CD133 + RSCs were mobilized in WT ATN mice with the increased expression of Bmi-1; Bmi-1 deficiency led to increased tubular cast formation and necrosis, elevated levels of SUN and SCr, decreased tubular proliferation, and immobilized ratio of RSCs in ATN. These findings indicated that Bmi-1 played a critical role in the protection from ATN by maintaining mobilization of RSCs and would be a novel therapeutic target for preventing the progression of ATN. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bmi-1 plays a critical role in the protection from acute tubular necrosis by mobilizing renal stem/progenitor cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lv, Xianhui; Yu, Zhenzhen; Xie, Chunfeng

The regeneration of injured tubular cell occurs primarily from intrinsic renal stem/progenitor cells (RSCs) labeled with CD24 and CD133 after acute tubular necrosis (ATN). Bmi-1 plays a crucial role in regulating self-renewal, differentiation and aging of multiple adult stem cells and progenitor cells. Bmi-1 was rapidly elevated in the induction of adult kidney regeneration by renal injury. To determine whether Bmi-1 maintained mobilization of RSCs in the protection from ATN, glycerol-rhabdomyolysis-induced ATN were performed in wild type (WT) and Bmi-1-deficient (Bmi-1{sup −/−}) mice. Their ATN phenotypes were analyzed; CD24 and CD133 double positive (CD24{sup +}CD133{sup +}) cells were measured; andmore » the levels of serum urea nitrogen (SUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) were detected. We found that CD24{sup +}CD133{sup +} RSCs were mobilized in WT ATN mice with the increased expression of Bmi-1; Bmi-1 deficiency led to increased tubular cast formation and necrosis, elevated levels of SUN and SCr, decreased tubular proliferation, and immobilized ratio of RSCs in ATN. These findings indicated that Bmi-1 played a critical role in the protection from ATN by maintaining mobilization of RSCs and would be a novel therapeutic target for preventing the progression of ATN.« less

Exposure to 3G mobile phone signals does not affect the biological features of brain tumor cells.

PubMed

Liu, Yu-xiao; Li, Guo-qing; Fu, Xiang-ping; Xue, Jing-hui; Ji, Shou-ping; Zhang, Zhi-wen; Zhang, Yi; Li, An-ming

2015-08-08

The increase in mobile phone use has generated concerns about possible risks to human health, especially the development of brain tumors. Whether tumor patients should continue to use mobile telephones has remained unclear because of a paucity of information. Herein, we investigated whether electromagnetic fields from mobile phones could alter the biological features of human tumor cells and act as a tumor-promoting agent. Human glioblastoma cell lines, U251-MG and U87-MG, were exposed to 1950-MHz time division-synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) at a specific absorption rate (maximum SAR = 5.0 W/kg) for 12, 24, and 48 h. Cell morphologies and ultra-structures were observed by microscopy and the rates of apoptosis and cell cycle progression were monitored by flow cytometry. Additionally, cell growth was determined using the CKK-8 assay, and the expression levels of tumor and apoptosis-related genes and proteins were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Tumor formation and invasiveness were measured using a tumorigenicity assay in vivo and migration assays in vitro. No significant differences in either biological features or tumor formation ability were observed between unexposed and exposed glioblastoma cells. Our data showed that exposure to 1950-MHz TD-SCDMA electromagnetic fields for up to 48 h did not act as a cytotoxic or tumor-promoting agent to affect the proliferation or gene expression profile of glioblastoma cells. Our findings implied that exposing brain tumor cells in vitro for up to 48 h to 1950-MHz continuous TD-SCDMA electromagnetic fields did not elicit a general cell stress response.

Upfront plerixafor plus G-CSF versus cyclophosphamide plus G-CSF for stem cell mobilization in multiple myeloma: efficacy and cost analysis study.

PubMed

Afifi, S; Adel, N G; Devlin, S; Duck, E; Vanak, J; Landau, H; Chung, D J; Lendvai, N; Lesokhin, A; Korde, N; Reich, L; Landgren, O; Giralt, S; Hassoun, H

2016-04-01

Cyclophosphamide plus G-CSF (C+G-CSF) is one of the most widely used stem cell (SC) mobilization regimens for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Plerixafor plus G-CSF (P+G-CSF) has demonstrated superior SC mobilization efficacy when compared with G-CSF alone and has been shown to rescue patients who fail mobilization with G-CSF or C+G-CSF. Despite the proven efficacy of P+G-CSF in upfront SC mobilization, its use has been limited, mostly due to concerns of high price of the drug. However, a comprehensive comparison of the efficacy and cost effectiveness of SC mobilization using C+G-CSF versus P+G-CSF is not available. In this study, we compared 111 patients receiving C+G-CSF to 112 patients receiving P+G-CSF. The use of P+G-CSF was associated with a higher success rate of SC collection defined as ⩾5 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg (94 versus 83%, P=0.013) and less toxicities. Thirteen patients in the C+G-CSF arm were hospitalized owing to complications while none in the P+G-CSF group. C+G-CSF was associated with higher financial burden as assessed using institutional-specific costs and charges (P<0.001) as well as using Medicare reimbursement rates (P=0.27). Higher rate of hospitalization, increased need for salvage mobilization, and increased G-CSF use account for these differences.

Beyond CD34+ cell dose: impact of method of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell mobilization (granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF], G-CSF plus plerixafor, or cyclophosphamide G-CSF/granulocyte-macrophage [GM]-CSF) on number of colony-forming unit-GM, engraftment, and Day +100 hematopoietic graft function.

PubMed

Alexander, Erin T; Towery, Jeanne A; Miller, Ashley N; Kramer, Cindy; Hogan, Kathy R; Squires, Jerry E; Stuart, Robert K; Costa, Luciano J

2011-09-01

The dose of CD34+ cells/kg in the mobilized peripheral blood product is the main determinant of neutrophil and platelet (PLT) engraftment after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). Whether the method of mobilization, namely, granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone (G), G-CSF plus plerixafor (G+P), or cyclophosphamide + G/granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF (Cy+G/GM), independently affects number of colony-forming unit (CFU)-GM, engraftment, and hematopoietic graft function is unknown. We used a database of AHSCT patients with multiple myeloma or lymphoma to identify three groups with different mobilization strategies receiving transplantation with similar CD34+ cell doses. Groups were compared in terms of CFU-GM, ratio of CFU-GM/CD34+, engraftment of neutrophils and PLTs, and hematopoietic graft function on Day +100. Ninety-six patients were included in the analysis, 26 G, 32 G+P, and 38 Cy+G/GM, with median cell doses of 4.21 × 10(6) , 4.11 × 10(6) , and 4.67 × 10(6) CD34+/kg, respectively (p = 0.433). There was no significant difference in number of CFU-GM between the three groups; however, the ratio of CFU-GM/CD34+ was significantly lower for G+P (p = 0.008). Median time for neutrophil engraftment was 13 days in G+P and 12 days in G and Cy+G/GM (p = 0.028), while PLT engraftment happened at a median of 14.5 days in G+P versus 12 days in G and 11 days in Cy+G/GM (p = 0.012). There was no difference in hematopoietic graft function at Day +100. Plerixafor-based mobilization is associated with slightly reduced number of CFU-GM and minimal delay in engraftment that is independent of CD34+ cell dose. Hematopoietic graft function on Day 100 is not affected by mobilization strategy. © 2011 American Association of Blood Banks.

A Drosophila LexA Enhancer-Trap Resource for Developmental Biology and Neuroendocrine Research

PubMed Central

Kockel, Lutz; Huq, Lutfi M.; Ayyar, Anika; Herold, Emma; MacAlpine, Elle; Logan, Madeline; Savvides, Christina; Kim, Grace E. S.; Chen, Jiapei; Clark, Theresa; Duong, Trang; Fazel-Rezai, Vahid; Havey, Deanna; Han, Samuel; Jagadeesan, Ravi; Kim, Eun Soo Jackie; Lee, Diane; Lombardo, Kaelina; Piyale, Ida; Shi, Hansen; Stahr, Lydia; Tung, Dana; Tayvah, Uriel; Wang, Flora; Wang, Ja-Hon; Xiao, Sarah; Topper, Sydni M.; Park, Sangbin; Rotondo, Cheryl; Rankin, Anne E.; Chisholm, Townley W.; Kim, Seung K.

2016-01-01

Novel binary gene expression tools like the LexA-LexAop system could powerfully enhance studies of metabolism, development, and neurobiology in Drosophila. However, specific LexA drivers for neuroendocrine cells and many other developmentally relevant systems remain limited. In a unique high school biology course, we generated a LexA-based enhancer trap collection by transposon mobilization. The initial collection provides a source of novel LexA-based elements that permit targeted gene expression in the corpora cardiaca, cells central for metabolic homeostasis, and other neuroendocrine cell types. The collection further contains specific LexA drivers for stem cells and other enteric cells in the gut, and other developmentally relevant tissue types. We provide detailed analysis of nearly 100 new LexA lines, including molecular mapping of insertions, description of enhancer-driven reporter expression in larval tissues, and adult neuroendocrine cells, comparison with established enhancer trap collections and tissue specific RNAseq. Generation of this open-resource LexA collection facilitates neuroendocrine and developmental biology investigations, and shows how empowering secondary school science can achieve research and educational goals. PMID:27527793

A Drosophila LexA Enhancer-Trap Resource for Developmental Biology and Neuroendocrine Research.

PubMed

Kockel, Lutz; Huq, Lutfi M; Ayyar, Anika; Herold, Emma; MacAlpine, Elle; Logan, Madeline; Savvides, Christina; Kim, Grace E S; Chen, Jiapei; Clark, Theresa; Duong, Trang; Fazel-Rezai, Vahid; Havey, Deanna; Han, Samuel; Jagadeesan, Ravi; Kim, Eun Soo Jackie; Lee, Diane; Lombardo, Kaelina; Piyale, Ida; Shi, Hansen; Stahr, Lydia; Tung, Dana; Tayvah, Uriel; Wang, Flora; Wang, Ja-Hon; Xiao, Sarah; Topper, Sydni M; Park, Sangbin; Rotondo, Cheryl; Rankin, Anne E; Chisholm, Townley W; Kim, Seung K

2016-10-13

Novel binary gene expression tools like the LexA-LexAop system could powerfully enhance studies of metabolism, development, and neurobiology in Drosophila However, specific LexA drivers for neuroendocrine cells and many other developmentally relevant systems remain limited. In a unique high school biology course, we generated a LexA-based enhancer trap collection by transposon mobilization. The initial collection provides a source of novel LexA-based elements that permit targeted gene expression in the corpora cardiaca, cells central for metabolic homeostasis, and other neuroendocrine cell types. The collection further contains specific LexA drivers for stem cells and other enteric cells in the gut, and other developmentally relevant tissue types. We provide detailed analysis of nearly 100 new LexA lines, including molecular mapping of insertions, description of enhancer-driven reporter expression in larval tissues, and adult neuroendocrine cells, comparison with established enhancer trap collections and tissue specific RNAseq. Generation of this open-resource LexA collection facilitates neuroendocrine and developmental biology investigations, and shows how empowering secondary school science can achieve research and educational goals. Copyright © 2016 Kockel et al.

Correlation of simulation/finite element analysis to the separation of intrinsically magnetic spores and red blood cells using a microfluidic magnetic deposition system.

PubMed

Sun, Jianxin; Moore, Lee; Xue, Wei; Kim, James; Zborowski, Maciej; Chalmers, Jeffrey J

2018-05-01

Magnetic separation of cells has been, and continues to be, widely used in a variety of applications, ranging from healthcare diagnostics to detection of food contamination. Typically, these technologies require cells labeled with antibody magnetic particle conjugate and a high magnetic energy gradient created in the flow containing the labeled cells (i.e., a column packed with magnetically inducible material), or dense packing of magnetic particles next to the flow cell. Such designs, while creating high magnetic energy gradients, are not amenable to easy, highly detailed, mathematic characterization. Our laboratories have been characterizing and developing analysis and separation technology that can be used on intrinsically magnetic cells or spores which are typically orders of magnitude weaker than typically immunomagnetically labeled cells. One such separation system is magnetic deposition microscopy (MDM) which not only separates cells, but deposits them in specific locations on slides for further microscopic analysis. In this study, the MDM system has been further characterized, using finite element and computational fluid mechanics software, and separation performance predicted, using a model which combines: 1) the distribution of the intrinsic magnetophoretic mobility of the cells (spores); 2) the fluid flow within the separation device; and 3) accurate maps of the values of the magnetic field (max 2.27 T), and magnetic energy gradient (max of 4.41 T 2 /mm) within the system. Guided by this model, experimental studies indicated that greater than 95% of the intrinsically magnetic Bacillus spores can be separated with the MDM system. Further, this model allows analysis of cell trajectories which can assist in the design of higher throughput systems. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Endothelial Progenitor Cell Mobilization in Preterm Infants With Sepsis Is Associated With Improved Survival.

PubMed

Siavashi, Vahid; Asadian, Simin; Taheri-Asl, Masoud; Keshavarz, Samaneh; Zamani-Ahmadmahmudi, Mohamad; Nassiri, Seyed Mahdi

2017-10-01

Microvascular dysfunction plays a key role in the pathology of sepsis, leading to multi-organ failure, and death. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (cEPCs) are critically involved in the maintenance of the vascular homeostasis in both physiological and pathological contexts. In this study, concentration of cEPCs in preterm infants with sepsis was determined to recognize whether the EPC mobilization would affect the clinical outcome of infantile sepsis. One hundred and thirty-three preterm infants (81 with sepsis and 52 without sepsis) were enrolled in this study. The release of EPCs in circulation was first quantified. Thereafter, these cells were cultivated and biological features of these cells such as, proliferation and colony forming efficiency were analyzed. The levels of chemoattractant cytokines were also measured in infants. In mouse models of sepsis, effects of VEGF and SDF-1 as well as anti-VEGF and anti-SDF-1 were evaluated in order to shed light upon the role which the EPC mobilization plays in the overall survival of septic animals. Circulating EPCs were significantly higher in preterm infants with sepsis than in the non-sepsis group. Serum levels of VEGF, SDF-1, and Angiopoietin-2 were also higher in preterm infants with sepsis than in control non-sepsis. In the animal experiments, injection of VEGF and SDF-1 prompted the mobilization of EPCs, leading to an improvement in survival whereas injection of anti-VEGF and anti-SDF-1 was associated with significant deterioration of survival. Overall, our results demonstrated the beneficial effects of EPC release in preterm infants with sepsis, with increased mobilization of these cells was associated with improved survival. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3299-3307, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

What is the role of biosimilar G-CSF agents in hematopoietic stem cell mobilization at present?

PubMed

Korkmaz, Serdal; Altuntas, Fevzi

2017-12-01

Mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells, which has largely replaced bone marrow harvesting as a source of hematopoietic stem cells, using recombinant agents such as filgrastim or lenograstim has become a standard procedure in both patients and healthy donors prior to peripheral blood stem cell collection for autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Published literature data suggest that mobilization with recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is safe and mobilization outcomes are satisfactory. In recent years, besides G-CSF originators, biosimilar G-CSF agents have been approved by the regulatory agencies for the same indications. Current data showed that by using the biosimilar G-CSF, similar results regarding safety and efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization may be achieved compared to the originator G-CSF. Although the issues such as the similarity to a licenced biological medicine, differences in manufacturing processes, the potential to cause immunogenicity, extrapolation and interchangeability of these biosimilar products are still being discussed by the scientific area, however, more experience with these agents now exists in approved endications and there seems to be no reason to expect significant differences between biosimilar G-CSF and originator G-CSF regarding their efficacy and safety in both patients and healthy donors. Also, the significant cost savings of biosimilars in real life setting may enhance the use of these agents in the future. Nonetheless, the collection of long-term follow-up data is mandatory for both patients and healthy donors, and multicentre randomized clinical trials that directly compare biosimilar G-CSF with the originator G-CSF are needed in order to allow the transplant community to make informed decisions regarding the choice of G-CSF. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

47 CFR 90.655 - Special licensing requirements for Specialized Mobile Radio systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... Mobile Radio systems. 90.655 Section 90.655 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES Regulations Governing... Bands § 90.655 Special licensing requirements for Specialized Mobile Radio systems. End users of...